The government hopes to facilitate enforced returns to Syria before year-end, despite concerns over the safety of those at risk of persecution, especially members of specific ethnic and religious groups.
Following a pause in asylum decisions initiated in December after the Assad regime was destabilized by rebels, UK Asylum Minister Dame Angela Eagle confirmed the halt was necessary due to a lack of reliable information regarding the safety of returnees. Approximately 7,000 Syrians have remained in limbo during this time, with many residing in government-funded accommodations.
Some, like Enver Solomon from the Refugee Council, highlighted the challenges faced by those with temporary asylum seeking to secure employment or housing. He acknowledged the government's return to processing claims is a welcome step but emphasized the need for individual assessments ensuring safety for all applicants, particularly in the context of Syria's fragile security situation.
The updated guidance categorizes asylum applications based on the likelihood of individual persecution, stipulating that a general breakdown in law and order does not automatically qualify as grounds for asylum. This position has raised concerns, especially given that areas in Syria under the control of certain factions could present significant risks for specific groups, including ethnic Kurds and the Alawite sect.
Recent diplomatic engagement, including a visit to Syria by UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, marks a shift in the UK’s approach toward Syrian asylum seekers. While some European nations have also begun processing claims and facilitated returns, the UK aims to balance these actions carefully to avoid being perceived as an attractive destination for Syrian refugees.
The ongoing plight of Syrian asylum seekers continues amid political complications and global scrutiny, with any enforced returns expected to be closely monitored to ensure compliance with human rights standards.
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Syrian refugees
Refugees and asylum seekers
Syria
Following a pause in asylum decisions initiated in December after the Assad regime was destabilized by rebels, UK Asylum Minister Dame Angela Eagle confirmed the halt was necessary due to a lack of reliable information regarding the safety of returnees. Approximately 7,000 Syrians have remained in limbo during this time, with many residing in government-funded accommodations.
Some, like Enver Solomon from the Refugee Council, highlighted the challenges faced by those with temporary asylum seeking to secure employment or housing. He acknowledged the government's return to processing claims is a welcome step but emphasized the need for individual assessments ensuring safety for all applicants, particularly in the context of Syria's fragile security situation.
The updated guidance categorizes asylum applications based on the likelihood of individual persecution, stipulating that a general breakdown in law and order does not automatically qualify as grounds for asylum. This position has raised concerns, especially given that areas in Syria under the control of certain factions could present significant risks for specific groups, including ethnic Kurds and the Alawite sect.
Recent diplomatic engagement, including a visit to Syria by UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, marks a shift in the UK’s approach toward Syrian asylum seekers. While some European nations have also begun processing claims and facilitated returns, the UK aims to balance these actions carefully to avoid being perceived as an attractive destination for Syrian refugees.
The ongoing plight of Syrian asylum seekers continues amid political complications and global scrutiny, with any enforced returns expected to be closely monitored to ensure compliance with human rights standards.
Sign up for our Politics Essential newsletter for more in-depth coverage of Westminster and beyond.
Syrian refugees
Refugees and asylum seekers
Syria
