UK to Resume Processing Syrian Asylum Claims After Extended Pause

Dame Angela Eagle announces the resumption, emphasizing the need for case-by-case assessments due to ongoing risks.

The UK government has announced that it will resume processing Syrian asylum claims, a move that comes more than seven months after these decisions were put on hold following major political changes in Syria. Asylum minister Dame Angela Eagle confirmed that the Home Office has gathered enough information to begin processing claims, facilitating voluntary returns and potential enforced returns to Syria.

Recent reports indicate that over 20 individuals have voluntarily returned to Syria since the beginning of the year. Officials within the Home Office are optimistic that the first enforced returns might occur before the end of this year, though sources have clarified that this timeframe is still tentative.

In December, asylum decisions for Syrian nationals were suspended after President Bashar al-Assad's regime was threatened by an offensive led by the militant group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). This left over 7,000 Syrians in the UK awaiting a decision on their asylum applications, many of whom have been living in temporary accommodations provided by the government.

The pause has drawn criticism from various advocacy groups, stating that the uncertainty around asylum status has severely restricted opportunities for work and housing for those affected. Enver Solomon, CEO of the Refugee Council, welcomed the resumption but cautioned that a stable situation in Syria remains elusive and emphasized the necessity for thorough individual assessments to ensure the safety of returning Syrians.

The updated guidance released by the Home Office states that a mere "breakdown in law and order" does not, in itself, warrant asylum status. Individuals must demonstrate a specific fear of persecution to be granted asylum or refugee status. The recent guidance is based on a detailed risk assessment that examines Syria's current safety levels, which the Home Office conducts in conjunction with the Foreign Office.

Earlier in the month, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy visited Syria—the first official UK visit since the civil war’s onset in 2011—signifying a thaw in diplomatic relations. This visit coincided with discussions on the implications of EU countries processing asylum claims, raising concerns that the UK may become a focal point for asylum seekers if it delays further.

Syria's socio-political landscape remains precarious, with HTS now at the helm. The updated guidance notes that the risk of persecution varies significantly for different ethnic groups. For instance, while Kurdish individuals may face significant threats in certain regions, others like Alawites could encounter serious risks based on historical and political contexts.

Amid rising tensions and precarious security conditions, the UK government's approach to Syrian asylum claims will be closely scrutinized. The hope is that each case will be reviewed on its individual merits to ensure justice and safety for all applicants amidst a complex and shifting geopolitical landscape.