European Countries Pause Asylum Procedures for Syrians Following Assad Regime’s Fall
Germany, Austria, and Sweden have temporarily suspended all asylum procedures for Syrians in light of the recent fall of President Bashar al-Assad’s regime. Over 47,000 asylum applications from Syrians are currently pending in Germany, where decisions on these cases are being delayed. Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer has instructed a review of all previously granted asylum cases, while France is expected to announce similar measures soon. The Dutch government has not yet decided on its course of action regarding Syrian asylum seekers.