'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
Daily Courier – In the wake of the overthrow of Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad, United Kingdom, Germany and the Netherlands have temporarily paused asylum processing for Syrian nationals, citing political uncertainty and the need for a reassessment of the situation in Syria.
Germany Freezes Asylum Cases
Germany, home to the largest Syrian diaspora outside the Middle East, announced the suspension of asylum applications less than 48 hours after al-Assad's fall. The Federal Office for Migration and Refugees stated that this move was necessitated by the “unclear and unpredictable political situation” in Syria, which would render asylum decisions uncertain.
This freeze affects 47,770 undecided asylum cases involving Syrian nationals. Germany has historically been a sanctuary for Syrians fleeing war, with over 1.3 million Syrians residing in the country, most of whom arrived during the 2015–2016 refugee crisis under Chancellor Angela Merkel's open-door policy.
However, recent years have seen a growing anti-immigration sentiment in Germany. Calls to lift the deportation ban for criminal Syrian asylum seekers gained traction after a deadly knife attack in Solingen in August, allegedly committed by a Syrian national.
Jurgen Hardt, a member of the opposition Christian Democratic Union (CDU), suggested that the political shift in Syria could lead to the reassessment of asylum policies. CDU colleague Jens Spahn proposed offering monetary incentives for Syrians willing to return home, signaling a potential shift toward mass repatriation.
Netherlands Follows Suit
Following Germany's lead, Dutch Minister of Asylum and Migration Marjolein Faber announced a temporary freeze on Syrian asylum applications. “Developments in Syria have followed each other in rapid succession,” she stated, underscoring the need for caution in granting refugee status amid the political upheaval.
Similar measures have been adopted by Austria and Greece, reflecting a broader trend among European nations reconsidering their refugee policies for Syrians.
The suspension has drawn criticism from refugee advocacy groups. Tareq Alaows, spokesman for Pro Asyl, warned that the freeze would leave Syrian asylum seekers in a state of limbo, jeopardizing their integration and fueling fear and uncertainty.
He emphasized that Syria remains unsafe for many, with ongoing risks of violence and human rights violations. “Before discussing mass returns, we need to address reconstruction, democracy, and justice in Syria,” Alaows said.
UK pauses decisions on Syrian asylum claims
“The Home Office has temporarily paused decisions on Syrian asylum claims whilst we assess the current situation,” a spokesperson from the interior ministry says in a statement carried by the Reuters news agency
“We keep all country guidance relating to asylum claims under constant review so we can respond to emerging issues,” the statement continued.
The UK decision comes after Germany, Austria and other European countries ordered a halt to asylum applications by Syrians after al-Assad fled to Russia after 13 years of war.
Despite these concerns, the fall of al-Assad has sparked jubilation among Syrians abroad. In Germany, cities like Berlin, Hamburg, and Munich saw large celebrations, with participants waving opposition flags and expressing hope for a brighter future.
A Mixed Reality for Syrians
For many Syrians in Germany, the fall of al-Assad represents a long-awaited dream. Mohammad al Masri, a Daraa native living in Berlin for nearly a decade, shared his eagerness to return home and reunite with his family.
Similarly, Rana, a women’s rights advocate from Damascus, expressed her aspiration to contribute to rebuilding Syria and supporting vulnerable women.
However, both acknowledged the immense challenges ahead, from rebuilding infrastructure to ensuring accountability for past atrocities. “We want justice. We want al-Assad in the International Criminal Court,” Rana said.
While the initial celebrations are a testament to Syrians’ resilience, questions linger about the nation’s readiness for large-scale returns. Advocates stress the need for international cooperation to foster stability, democracy, and justice in post-Assad Syria.
As Europe grapples with its refugee policies, Syrians at home and abroad look toward the future with cautious optimism, hoping for a nation where they can live with dignity and peace.
