Calls Intensify for UK to Resume Processing of Syrian Asylum Claims

The UK government faces pressure to resume processing asylum claims from over 7,000 Syrians who have been left in limbo for more than five months, following the suspension of decisions initiated after Bashar al-Assad's regime fell. Charities are calling for an immediate resumption of a case-by-case assessment to prevent further distress among asylum seekers.

Ministers are increasingly urged to resume processing asylum applications from Syrians, as new statistics reveal that over 7,000 individuals remain in a state of uncertainty. The UK suspended decisions on Syrian asylum and permanent settlement claims in December, following significant political changes in Syria after President Bashar al-Assad's regime was overthrown. Now, five months later, Syrian asylum seekers remain in limbo, awaiting clarity on when their claims might be addressed.

Charities, including the Refugee Council, have criticized the indefinite pause in decisions, placing asylum seekers in torment as they navigate life without resolution. A source from the Home Office explained that the decision to halt assessments was necessary due to the lack of stable and objective information on conditions in Syria, which hampers their ability to assess risks involved in returning claimants.

As of the end of March, there were 7,386 Syrians waiting for a decision on their claims, as reported in recent figures. The political landscape in Syria remains turbulent, with the Islamist militant group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) now allegedly controlling parts of the country. Although HTS's leader has been named as Syria's interim president, the group is still recognized as a terrorist organization by the UK.

The suspension of asylum decisions has led to an 81% decrease in new Syrian claims, yet 299 individuals arrived in the UK by small boats in the first quarter of the year, suggesting that desperation continues to drive asylum-seekers to dangerous journeys.

For many asylum seekers, life in the UK under temporary status brings significant limitations, including an inability to work while waiting for their cases to be resolved. Government-funded accommodation is available, but it creates additional strain on taxpayers, as over 5,500 Syrians were housed under such provisions by the end of March. This included more than 2,130 individuals residing in hotels.

Jon Featonby from the Refugee Council emphasizes that refugees are increasingly trapped in limbo, which also complicates the asylum system as overall backlogs continue to grow. One recent arrival, a Kurdish man named Azadi, expressed gratitude for temporary support but lamented his inability to work, which has led to significant stress and feelings of stagnation.

The complex situation further extends to those already granted refugee status but awaiting the right to apply for indefinite leave to remain, directly linked to government decisions. The council has suggested that those with claims unrelated to the previous regime's actions might be prioritized in processing.

In personal accounts shared, 28-year-old Leen Albrmawi described the distress of having her life plans disrupted after the pause on decisions. Despite her years of effort to secure her future by gaining qualifications and a job, she is left scrambling amidst uncertainty about her residency status.

As fears rise among the Syrian diaspora in the UK about potential changes in government policies regarding Syria's safety, calls are growing for the UK to act swiftly and resume processing claims. Stakeholders demand clear protocols and prioritization for refugees fleeing ongoing conflict and persecution, amidst a backdrop of hope that one day, a just and stable Syria may offer a chance for return.