The United Kingdom and several European countries have announced a suspension of asylum application processing for Syrians.
This decision follows the recent fall of the Assad regime in Damascus, which has introduced a new wave of uncertainty regarding Syria's political future.
The UK Home Office confirmed that it has "temporarily paused decisions on Syrian asylum claims whilst we assess the current situation."
A spokesperson emphasized that the country is keeping all guidance under constant review to respond to emerging issues effectively.
Germany, home to Europe's largest Syrian diaspora, has also halted decisions on asylum claims. Interior Minister Nancy Faeser remarked that the end of Assad’s "brutal tyranny" has brought relief to many, yet acknowledged the "volatile situation" in Syria as a reason for the freeze. More than 47,000 Syrian asylum applications are currently pending in Germany.
Austria has taken a more stringent approach by not only suspending new applications but also reviewing previously granted asylum cases.
The country's interior minister, Gerhard Karner, stated, "I have instructed the ministry to prepare a programme of orderly repatriation and deportation to Syria."
Other European nations, including France, Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Norway, Czechia, Switzerland, Croatia, and Greece, have reportedly implemented similar measures.Greece alone has paused about 9,000 applications, according to government sources.
The UN refugee agency has urged these countries to exercise patience. Filippo Grandi, head of the agency, advised that "patience and vigilance will be necessary," hoping for positive developments on the ground that would allow for voluntary, safe, and sustainable returns.
Critics, however, argue that the situation in Syria remains dire. Pro Asyl, a German refugee rights advocacy group, condemned the discussion, highlighting the ongoing chaos and violence in Syria.
Tareq Alaows, a spokesperson for the group, described the demand for return as "irresponsible" and a disregard for international protection obligations.
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