close
close
  • February 11, 2025
European countries suspend decisions on asylum applications for Syrian refugees

European countries suspend decisions on asylum applications for Syrian refugees

European countries have suspended the processing of asylum applications from Syrian refugees. This comes after the collapse of President Bashar al-Assad’s government in Syria.

Germany announced on Monday that it has imposed a decision freeze on asylum procedures for Syrian refugees. Germany is home to the largest number of people of Syrian descent outside of Syria.

German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser made a statement. She said: “Many refugees who have found protection in Germany now finally have the hope of returning to their Syrian homeland.” She added: “However, the situation in Syria is currently very unclear.”

The minister said German authorities have “imposed a decision freeze on asylum procedures that are still ongoing until the situation is clearer.”

Britain and Belgium have also decided to suspend processing asylum applications from Syrians.

Sweden and France are expected to take a similar step in the coming days.

UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi issued a statement on Monday. He said millions of Syrian refugees are carefully assessing how safe it is to return home.

Grandi emphasized that these refugees must continue to receive support.