Calls to Restart Processing of Syrian Asylum Claims Amidst Ongoing Uncertainty

The UK government has paused Syrian asylum claims, causing distress among applicants and prompting calls for their urgent processing as the situation remains unstable.

Ministers are facing mounting pressure to resume processing Syrian asylum applications, as over 7,000 individuals wait in uncertainty following the suspension of claims in December. The UK government halted decisions on these claims after the shifting power dynamics post-Assad's regime, citing a lack of stable information on risks associated with returning individuals to Syria.

With claims remaining paused for more than five months, Syrians in the UK are experiencing an "indefinite limbo," according to humanitarian organizations like the Refugee Council. Many charities are urging the government to consider asylum applications on an individual basis, instead of applying a blanket pause. A source from the Home Office reiterated that the decision was necessary for evaluating the current situation and promised ongoing review of the policy.

As of the end of March, a total of 7,386 Syrians awaited an initial decision on their applications. The recent power shift following the overthrow of President Assad by rebel factions, particularly the Islamist militant group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), has introduced further complexities, with HTS leader Ahmad al-Sharaa now named interim president amid ongoing conflict, within which the group remains classified as a terrorist organization by the UK.

The implications of the paused asylum decisions are considerable. The flow of new Syrian asylum applications dropped by an astonishing 81% from the month of suspension. Nonetheless, 299 Syrians arrived in the UK via small boats in early 2023, contributing to 5% of total asylum arrivals during that period. The majority of asylum seekers do not have the right to work during their application process and rely on government support for housing and essentials.

This lack of progress is not just a concern for the applicants' wellbeing but has significant financial repercussions, as the Refugee Council highlights the continued burden on taxpayers. When considering the government’s housing policies, more than 5,500 Syrians lived in government-funded accommodations by the end of March, including over 2,130 in hotels—a temporary solution the government seeks to phase out.

Among those affected is Azadi, a 25-year-old Kurdish man who arrived in the UK via small boat last June and has expressed his frustrations regarding the inability to work and integrate into society. With his hometown ravaged by civil war, he remains apprehensive about returning regardless of the new government’s promises.

Furthermore, the pause affects current refugees, like Leen Albrmawi, who successfully sought refuge in the UK in 2019. Her ambitions to pursue higher education have been thwarted due to her uncertain immigration status, leaving her dependent on current employment which may soon become jeopardized by the paused application process. Despite having built a life in the UK, the fear of governmental policy reversal looms heavily, leaving many to question their futures.

In light of these issues, advocates like Jon Featonby of the Refugee Council are calling for a prioritized review of claims based on the individual circumstances that led to asylum requests—especially for those seeking safety that is separate from the risks posed by the Assad government.

As the situation unfolds, many remain hopeful for a resolution that allows for the fair processing of asylum claims, alleviating the uncertainty faced by thousands of Syrians in the UK.