Germany Halts 47,270 Syrian Asylum Applications After Assad's Flight

Dec 9, 2024, 11:47 AM

The German Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) has temporarily halted the processing of asylum applications from Syrian citizens following the collapse of the Assad regime in Syria, with Assad fleeing the country. This decision affects approximately 47,270 asylum applications, with around 46,000 being initial requests. The move comes in response to the volatile situation in Syria, making it difficult to assess whether fleeing the country is a valid reason for asylum. The BAMF has stated that decisions on these applications would be 'on shaky ground' due to the unclear circumstances in Syria. This suspension does not impact existing asylum decisions, ensuring that those already granted asylum remain safe.