Britain, Germany, France, Italy, and several other European countries have announced that they will freeze all pending asylum applications from Syrians following the removal of President Bashar al-Assad.
While Berlin and other governments indicated they were closely monitoring the rapidly changing situation in the war-torn country, Austria suggested it would soon begin deporting refugees back to Syria.
Far-right politicians in other countries, including Germany—home to the largest Syrian community in Europe—have made similar demands as immigration becomes a controversial topic across the continent.
German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser stated that many Syrian refugees “now finally have hope of returning to their homeland” but cautioned that “the situation in Syria remains very uncertain.”
This debate has gained momentum in Germany as the country approaches elections in February.
Achim Brotel, president of a group of German municipalities, called for border controls to prevent Assad loyalists from reaching Germany.
Following these announcements, the head of the UN refugee agency stressed the importance of “patience and vigilance” regarding the return of refugees.
Ministers from Britain, Germany, France, the Netherlands, and Belgium were scheduled to meet in London on December 10 to enhance cooperation in combating migrant smuggling networks.
The representatives of the so-called Calais Group are expected to agree on “strengthened efforts to dismantle people-smuggling operations and ensure those responsible for this dangerous trade face justice,” according to a statement from the British Home Office.
In Austria, where around 100,000 Syrians live, conservative Chancellor Karl Nehammer directed the Interior Ministry to “suspend all ongoing Syrian asylum applications and review all asylum grants.”
The French Interior Ministry also announced it would pause asylum requests from Syrians, with similar actions taken by authorities in Belgium, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Denmark, Sweden, and Norway.
Britain’s Interior Ministry stated it was implementing the same measure “while we assess the current situation.”
In Greece, a government spokesperson expressed hope that Assad’s fall would eventually facilitate “the safe return of Syrian refugees” but did not specify any concrete actions.
