Several European countries, including Germany, Austria, Sweden, and Italy, have suspended asylum applications for Syrian refugees as of December 9, 2024, following political changes in Syria. The decision, which also involves Denmark, Norway, Belgium, the UK, Switzerland, and the Netherlands, comes amid rising support for far-right parties in Europe.
Germany, which hosts the largest Syrian diaspora in the EU, cited the « uncertainty » in Syria as the reason for the suspension. Austria introduced a « repatriation and expulsion program, » affecting thousands of Syrians. Other nations, including France, are monitoring the situation, with potential delays in processing asylum claims.
The UNHCR has called for « patience and vigilance, » while Amnesty International criticized the suspension, warning it sends a « wrong signal » to those who have spent years building new lives in Europe.
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