UK and European Nations Suspend Syrian Asylum Claims After Assad's Fall; Austria Considers Deportations

Dec 10, 2024, 09:30 AM

Following the overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad in Syria, several European countries, including the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Austria, Switzerland, and Croatia, have suspended or paused decisions on asylum applications from Syrian citizens. The UK Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, stated that the situation is evolving rapidly after the fall of the Assad regime, necessitating a reassessment of asylum procedures. Home Office Minister Dame Angela Eagle said it makes "complete sense" to pause asylum claims while monitoring developments. Austria has suspended asylum procedures and is considering voluntary deportation plans for Syrians. The United Nations has reminded countries of the right to seek asylum, expressing concern over the suspension of asylum processes. Some officials, such as French politician Fabien Roussel, have expressed security concerns, noting that there are "terrorists among those who have overthrown Assad." Legal experts like Vanessa Edberg have criticized the suspensions as a "total violation of international and community texts." Human rights groups have called the suspensions "absurd and inhumane," emphasizing the need to protect asylum seekers.