Several European countries, including the UK and Germany, have temporarily halted processing Syrian asylum applications following the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Damascus. Austria has gone further, announcing plans for a “repatriation and deportation” program for Syrian nationals.

The UK Home Office confirmed it has paused decisions on Syrian asylum claims to reassess the evolving situation, mirroring actions by Sweden, Greece, France, and other nations. Germany, home to the largest Syrian diaspora in Europe, cited the volatile situation in Syria, with over 47,000 asylum cases pending. Interior Minister Nancy Faeser acknowledged relief over Assad’s fall but emphasized uncertainty over the country’s future.

Austria’s interim government has begun reviewing granted asylum cases and instructed preparations for deportations. Interior Minister Gerhard Karner described it as an “orderly repatriation” plan but did not provide further details.

Human rights groups have criticized these actions, citing ongoing instability in Syria. Pro Asyl, a German advocacy group, warned against forcing refugees back into unsafe conditions, noting that chaos, violence, and displacement still plague the country.

The United Nations has urged patience, with refugee agency head Filippo Grandi calling for vigilance and voluntary returns based on safe conditions. Meanwhile, political debate in Germany has intensified, with conservative and far-right figures advocating for Syrian repatriation, while others, including members of the Social Democrats, criticized such proposals as premature and irresponsible.

As the situation in Syria remains uncertain, European nations face mounting pressure to balance humanitarian concerns with domestic policy considerations.