Following a halt in processing Syrian asylum applications last December, advocates urge the UK government to recommence assessments. With many individuals left uncertain about their futures, organizations highlight the financial implications and emotional toll on those awaiting decisions, emphasizing a need for urgent action against a backdrop of evolving political conditions in Syria.
Urgent Calls to Resume Syrian Asylum Processing Amidst Ongoing Uncertainty
Urgent Calls to Resume Syrian Asylum Processing Amidst Ongoing Uncertainty
Over 7,000 Syrians in the UK are left in a state of limbo as asylum claims remain unprocessed, prompting charitable organizations to petition for a resumption of case evaluations.
Ministers in the UK are under growing pressure to recommence the processing of asylum claims from Syrian nationals as over 7,000 individuals remain in a state of uncertainty. The government halted decisions on such claims in December last year following the fall of President Bashar al-Assad’s regime. Nearly six months have elapsed with no clarity on when these claims will be reviewed, leaving many in what charities, including the Refugee Council, describe as an "indefinite limbo."
The UK Home Office stated that the pause was necessary due to the lack of stable and reliable information regarding the safety of returning to Syria. A Home Office source mentioned that the policy undergoes regular review. Recent figures reveal that as of the end of March, 7,386 Syrians were awaiting an initial decision on their asylum applications. The political landscape in Syria remains precarious, especially after a rebel faction, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), took control of substantial territories.
While the Conservative Party previously indicated that most asylum claims stemmed from the threats posed by Assad's government, which may no longer be applicable, voices such as Haytham Alhamwi from the Syrian British Consortium argue that many Syrians still face dangers unrelated to the former regime. Some may also have fears of ongoing military operations in the country. Despite a significant 81% drop in the number of new Syrian asylum claims since the pause, around 299 individuals arrived in the UK via small boats in the initial quarter of 2023.
Asylum seekers typically face restrictions on working during their application period, relying instead on government provisions for accommodation and basic necessities. The Refugee Council's chief policy analyst, Jon Featonby, highlighted the financial burden this pause creates on taxpayers, as many await decisions while housed by the state. By the close of March, more than 5,500 Syrians were residing in government-funded accommodation, 2,130 of whom were in temporary hotels, which the government aims to eliminate for asylum seekers.
Voices from within the asylum-seeking community reveal a sense of frustration. For instance, a 25-year-old Kurdish individual, referred to as Azadi, detailed the stress of not being able to work or contribute to society, despite initial gratitude for basic support. Furthermore, although a new Syrian government has integrated certain minority factions, Azadi expressed mistrust alongside fears for personal safety.
The processing pause also complicates the situation of those already granted refugee status but still awaiting permanent residency. Advocacy groups argue that creating distinct pathways for those needing protection for reasons unrelated to Assad could help alleviate overall delays. Leen Albrmawi, a 28-year-old who arrived in the UK in 2019, shared her devastation over halted decisions that jeopardized her educational ambitions and job security.
Ultimately, while the Refugee Council acknowledges the evolving political situation in Syria, the outlook remains uncertain. With many individuals having established lives in the UK, the organization emphasizes the necessity for a more tailored approach to asylum processing that takes into account the unique challenges faced by Syrian nationals.
