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Rabat — The German and Austrian governments have announced they will no longer process asylum applications from Syrians following recent political developments in Syria.
Syrian refugees are starting to return home after President Bashar Assad’s government fell. Rebels now control Damascus, and many are cautiously optimistic about the future of post-Al-assad Syria.
A German migration spokesperson called Syria’s future “uncertain.” But Germany will still freeze 47,270 applications, while cases already decided will not be affected by this sudden policy change.
Austria has also acted to pause applications, with Interior Minister Gerhard Karner confirming that 7,300 Syrian asylum applications have been halted. In addition, Karner said he has been asked to review all granted cases.
The Austrian minister announced plans for deportations and repatriation programs. However, details and procedures remain unclear.
Austria’s Chancellor, Karl Nehammer, supports the freeze. He says Syria’s changes demand stricter processing of asylum applications.
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The German government’s decision has sparked backlash. Lamya Kaddor of the Green Party called the move “cynical” and harmful to Syrians in Germany, warning it could hurt many families.
Germany has received almost half of all Syrian asylum applications in Europe. Austria, meanwhile, accounts for just five percent.
EU asylum data shows Syrians are the largest group seeking refuge in Europe. But with Syria’s future uncertain amid rapidly shifting political winds in Damascus, European governments are taking a harder line on Syrian migrants.
Meanwhile, a number of EU officials worry about the Syrian rebels’ links to the Taliban.
Syrians are celebrating across Europe and beyond the end of Bashar Al-assad’s 24-year rule. In Damascus, people rejoiced by tearing down statues and symbols of the old tyrannical regime.
Rebel forces took over Damascus on December 8, pushing Bashar to flee to Moscow where he was granted political asylum.
Meanwhile, the international committee has shown cautious optimism. President Biden welcomed the change, saying the US will stand by Syria during this political transition.
