Several European countries, including Britain, Germany, France, and Italy, have decided to freeze all pending asylum requests from Syrians following the ouster of President Bashar al-Assad on December 9, 2024.
While some governments are monitoring the situation in Syria closely, Austria has indicated that it will deport refugees back to Syria. Far-right politicians in various countries have also called for similar actions, with Germany’s Alternative for Germany party reacting negatively to Syrian celebrations of Assad’s downfall.
Germany, which has taken in nearly one million Syrians, is now considering the possibility of refugees returning to their homeland. However, there is uncertainty about the situation in Syria, and decisions on asylum applications have been put on hold until there is more clarity.
Amnesty International has criticized Germany’s decision, emphasizing the unclear human rights situation in Syria. The UN refugee agency has also stressed the need for patience and vigilance in handling refugee returns.
‘Repatriation and deportation’
In Austria, Chancellor Karl Nehammer has instructed the interior ministry to suspend ongoing Syrian asylum applications and prepare for repatriation and deportation programs. The French interior ministry, along with authorities in other European countries, has also decided to freeze asylum requests from Syrians.
Leaders of far-right parties in Sweden and Germany have called for a review of residence permits for Syrian refugees and deportation of rejected asylum-seekers. The debate on refugee returns has intensified in Germany ahead of the upcoming elections.
Despite the joy among many Syrians in Europe about Assad’s fall, there is a cautious approach to returning to Syria. Some Syrians prefer to wait and see how the situation unfolds before making a decision to go back.
Published – December 10, 2024 05:47 am IST
