UK to start processing Syrian asylum claims again

UK to start processing Syrian asylum claims again

Political reporter Becky Morton and political correspondent Jack Fenwick reported that the UK is resuming the processing of Syrian asylum claims more than seven months after it was paused due to the fall of the Assad regime. Asylum minister Dame Angela Eagle announced that the Home Office has lifted the pause to allow for accurate determinations based on sufficient information. This decision will also enable the return of asylum seekers to Syria in alignment with the new processing system.

While more than 20 asylum seekers have already voluntarily returned to Syria this year, thousands of others are now potentially eligible for returns following the resumption of Syrian asylum claim processing. The government has released updated guidelines for officials to assess Syrian claims after pausing decisions when President Bashar al-Assad was overthrown by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) rebel offensive in December.

Campaigners have welcomed the decision to restart processing Syrian asylum claims, as it provides a pathway for individuals to secure their future in the UK. However, concerns remain about the stability and security situation in Syria, which could pose risks for those who are forced to return. The updated guidelines emphasize the importance of assessing each case individually to ensure the safety and protection of Syrians facing potential persecution in their homeland.

In light of the changing political landscape in Syria, the UK is taking steps to adjust its approach to processing asylum claims. With HTS figures now governing the country and UK sanctions gradually being lifted, the government’s updated guidelines aim to support a careful risk assessment process to determine the eligibility of Syrian asylum seekers. Foreign Secretary David Lammy’s recent visit to Syria and the ongoing discussions about returns highlight the complexities and challenges of navigating asylum policies amid evolving global circumstances

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