European Nations Review Syrian Asylum Policies

In response to the recent collapse of the Assad regime, several European countries, including Germany, Austria, and the UK, have suspended asylum applications from Syrian nationals, citing the regime's fall as a reason for potential repatriation. Lithuania, however, has reported only one pending asylum request from a Syrian, stating that there is insufficient demand to revise its asylum rules. MEP Mary Khan has proposed a resolution in the European Parliament advocating for EU support to facilitate the return of Syrian migrants, emphasizing the financial and social burdens on member states. Meanwhile, the UNHCR and UK charities have urged countries not to abandon Syrian asylum seekers, stressing the need for individual assessments and the protection of rights during the transition. The European Commission has reiterated that decisions regarding asylum applications rest with individual member states, who must comply with EU laws and provide safe conditions for any returns. Activists and organizations have criticized the swift policy changes, warning that the situation in Syria remains highly unstable.