Germany’s Federal Office for Migration and Refugees announced a halt to new asylum applications from Syria on Monday. A spokesperson explained the decision stems from Syria’s uncertain political future after the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime.
This decision affects 47,270 pending asylum applications in Germany, while previously decided cases remain unchanged. Austria’s Interior Ministry also confirmed a similar pause, impacting 7,300 asylum applications.
Refugee Returns Amid Syria’s Changing Landscape
The Syrian civil war, which began in 2011 during the Arab Spring protests, displaced 14 million people. Approximately one million Syrian refugees sought asylum in Germany. Now, with al-Assad’s regime overthrown, millions of refugees can consider returning home.
Intense clashes over two weeks culminated in Hayar Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) opposition forces declaring victory in Damascus, ending Assad’s dynastic rule. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz called the regime’s fall “good news for now” but stressed the importance of rebuilding stability. Scholz emphasized that Syria’s future leaders must ensure dignity, sovereignty, and peaceful coexistence for all Syrians.