After a seven-month suspension of decisions on Syrian asylum claims, the UK will begin processing cases again due to updated assessments of the situation in Syria. Asylum minister Dame Angela Eagle confirmed the Home Office's readiness to lift the pause once reliable information was obtained. This development means many of the 7,000 Syrians previously left in uncertainty may soon receive resolutions regarding their status.
UK Resumes Processing of Syrian Asylum Claims After Long Pause
UK Resumes Processing of Syrian Asylum Claims After Long Pause
In a significant policy shift, the UK government announces the resumption of processing asylum claims from Syrians following a lengthy hiatus, with plans for returns as early as this year.
Eagle revealed that voluntary returns had already commenced, with over 20 asylum seekers having returned home in 2023. The government anticipates that officially enforced returns could start later this year. The suspension of processing claims was initially implemented in December after the rise of the Islamist militant group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which led to fears for returning refugees’ safety.
The updated guidance stresses that all claims must be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, demanding evidence of individual persecution risk. Officials are urged to consider all applicants individually, particularly in a landscape where HTS affiliates now control significant regions of Syria.
Advocates for Syrian refugees have celebrated the government's decision to resume processing, arguing that it alleviates the limbo experienced by many. However, they urge careful consideration of the hazardous conditions on the ground, especially for factions still opposing the regime. Previous assurances of safety have been questioned, particularly given the ongoing instability and violent events reported against minority groups in Syria.
In addition to restarting asylum claims, it was noted that the UK is reassessing its diplomatic relations with Syria, slowly lifting some sanctions. As the situation develops, the UK's stance on Syrian asylum could have wider implications for European policies on refugee treatment and resettlement.
The updated guidance stresses that all claims must be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, demanding evidence of individual persecution risk. Officials are urged to consider all applicants individually, particularly in a landscape where HTS affiliates now control significant regions of Syria.
Advocates for Syrian refugees have celebrated the government's decision to resume processing, arguing that it alleviates the limbo experienced by many. However, they urge careful consideration of the hazardous conditions on the ground, especially for factions still opposing the regime. Previous assurances of safety have been questioned, particularly given the ongoing instability and violent events reported against minority groups in Syria.
In addition to restarting asylum claims, it was noted that the UK is reassessing its diplomatic relations with Syria, slowly lifting some sanctions. As the situation develops, the UK's stance on Syrian asylum could have wider implications for European policies on refugee treatment and resettlement.
