Following the end of Assad’s rule in Syria, European governments have and are considering taking action regarding asylum applications filed by Syrians as the security situation in the Middle Eastern country changes.
Some countries, including Germany and Austria, have stopped processing asylum applications for Syrian refugeeswhile others, like France, are considering suspending asylum requests, Schengen.News reports.
Currently, the European governments are monitoring the situation before changing the country of origin information for Syria, which can lead to drastic changes in Syrians’ asylum applications.
Here are the most recent updates for European countries’ decision on asylum applications filed by Syrian nationals:
Finland
The Finnish government has announced it will not process asylum applications for Syrian nationals effective immediately.
In a press release issued by the Finnish Immigration Service, Syria’s information as a country of origin for asylum seekers is being reviewed as the authorities are evaluating the changed security situation of this country.
After careful monitoring, the Finnish authorities will decide on the 350 pending asylum applications from Syrians, and updating the country of origin information is crucial for decision-making.
We have experienced many similar situations, and they are relatively frequent in the field of international protection. In such situations, the first steps we take are to pause the decision-making and to start reviewing our country of origin information.
France
The French interior ministry is considering suspending asylum requests from Syrians, as the authority told Le Monde. The ministry has disclosed that the decision will be announced soon.
According to data shared by the European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA), 139 asylum requests were filed by Syrian nationals in August of 2024, representing one per cent of all applications, while Germany is the top destination for Syrian refugees.
Sweden
The Swedish Migration Agency will also stop processing asylum applications filed by Syrian refugees, but the same has also revealed that residence permit applications will also be suspended for the moment.
Given the situation, it is simply not possible to assess the grounds for protection at this time.
After Germany, Sweden was the second country to receive the most Syrian refugees in 2015, receiving the highest number per capita.
Netherlands
The Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) has announced that it will not decide on asylum applications filed by Syrians.
According to a press release issued by IND, the situation in Syria is estimated to be uncertain, which can impact the decision on whether asylum requests are granted or rejected.
Norway
The Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) has also paused processing asylum applications from Syrians as the authority monitors the security situation there.
The reason for this is the recent major events and changes in Syria. However, the situation in the country is still very unclear.
Denmark
The Danish Refugee Appeals Board has also informed us that 69 asylum requests are being put on hold due to the uncertainty surrounding the security of Syria.
The Danish premier, Mette Fredriksen, has argued that Syrians should return to their home country, but the Danish Refugee Council has revealed that Syria is not yet safe for Syrians to go back.
Greece
Greek authorities are in favour that Syrians should return to their home country. According to an official government source, the new developments should “mark the end of the flux of refugees from this country.”
Peace in the country and a harmonious transition of power to a legitimate democratic government should open the return path in total safety back to their homes for Syrian refugees.
In addition to the countries already mentioned, Belgium, Italy, and Croatia have also announced that they will review their asylum application procedures for Syrians after the recent changes.