A group of four women, known as ISIS brides, along with nine children, have recently departed from the Al-Roj camp in northern Syria as they seek to return to Australia. This follows an unsuccessful attempt to repatriate 34 Australian nationals from the camp earlier this year, which was thwarted by Syrian government forces.
The Australian government has issued passports to these individuals, enabling their departure from the challenging conditions in the camp. According to camp coordinator Lana Hussein, there is a security vetting process that may take up to 72 hours before their official deportation is completed.
Hakmiyeh Ibrahim, the director of Al-Roj, noted that coordination between the camp and the Syrian government had improved, aiding the families’ return to Australia. However, the Australian government has clarified that while the issuance of passports is compulsory for its citizens, further assistance in facilitating their return is limited.
The Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles stated unequivocally that the government is not engaged in the repatriation of individuals from Syria. Notably, only one of the women has been temporarily barred from entering Australia, and no additional exclusion orders have been put in place. Opposition Home Affairs spokesperson Jonno Duniam has expressed concern, indicating that the government could take action if deemed necessary.
The departure of this group has left 11 Australian women and children still residing in the Al-Roj camp, with no immediate plans currently established for their return. The circumstances surrounding the situation remain complex, particularly as these women and children find themselves in a precarious position due to their affiliations with ISIS amidst ongoing international scrutiny.