Germany, Austria, and Sweden have temporarily halted decisions on asylum applications from Syrian nationals following the unexpected ouster of President Bashar al-Assad and the resulting political instability in Syria. The fall of Assad’s regime, driven by rebel forces led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), has raised hopes among refugees for returning to their homeland but also significant uncertainty about the country’s future.
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German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser described the end of Assad’s rule as a “great relief” for Syrians who suffered under his regime. However, she emphasized that the current situation remains “very unclear,” making it premature to predict the possibility of safe returns. Germany has taken in nearly one million Syrians since 2011, with the majority arriving during the 2015-2016 migrant crisis under then-Chancellor Angela Merkel.
Germany’s Freeze on Asylum Cases
The German Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) has suspended decisions on 47,270 pending Syrian asylum applications, including first-time cases. Previously granted protections remain unaffected. Currently, Germany hosts 974,136 Syrian nationals, of whom over 321,000 have full refugee status, while nearly 329,000 enjoy subsidiary protection, a temporary status for those facing threats in their homeland.
This decision comes amidst calls from opposition Christian Democrats (CDU) and far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) to deport Syrians now that Assad is no longer in power. Meanwhile, the governing coalition has urged a cautious approach, highlighting the fragile and volatile conditions in Syria.
Austria Prepares for Repatriations
Austria has also paused Syrian asylum applications, affecting around 7,300 pending cases. Conservative Chancellor Karl Nehammer instructed officials to review all asylum grants and prepare an “orderly repatriation and deportation program.” The Austrian government has suspended family reunifications for Syrians and is assessing the ground situation in Syria to guide future policies.
Sweden Follows Suit
Sweden, home to a significant Syrian diaspora, similarly announced a suspension of asylum decisions. Carl Bexelius of the Swedish Migration Agency cited the difficulty of evaluating protection grounds amid rapidly changing circumstances.
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While some European politicians advocate swift repatriation, others caution against hasty decisions. The situation in Syria remains fluid, with HTS claiming a shift in policies but still designated a terrorist group in Europe. The long-term implications for Syrian refugees in Europe—and the broader geopolitical landscape—remain uncertain.