UK to pause Syrian asylum claims after collapse of Assad regime | EUROtoday

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The UK has paused choices on Syrian asylum claims because of the uncertainty following the collapse of the Bashar Assad regime.

It follows the choice of different nations together with Germany, Austria and Sweden in suspending software choices, after 13 years of civil battle noticed a coalition of insurgent teams seize Damascus on Sunday.

A Home Office spokesman mentioned: “The Home Office has paused decisions on Syrian asylum claims whilst we assess the current situation.

“We keep all country guidance relating to asylum claims under constant review so we can respond to emerging issues.”

Millions of Syrians fled the nation after the outbreak of civil battle and the Assad regime’s brutal crackdown on opponents.

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Thousands of Syrians have been granted asylum within the UK, however the Home Office mentioned choices on purposes would now be paused whereas occasions unfold in Damascus.

Syrians generated the fifth largest quantity of asylum claims within the 12 months ending September 2024, Home Office statistics confirmed – behind Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran and Bangladesh.

Some 99% of claims have been granted at preliminary choice.

Speaking in parliament, overseas secretary David Lammy mentioned it’s “premature” to debate resettlement schemes for Syrian refugees and the Government is working to file human rights offences carried out by the Assad regime.

He additionally appeared unaware of the Government’s choice as he addressed MPs on Monday, saying he had not thought-about calls to droop claims.

Reform UK deputy chief Richard Tice mentioned Mr Lammy referred to the “many displaced Syrians looking to return to Syria”, including: “Will the Government be providing assistance to those Syrians in this country who do wish to return their homeland? And will the Government look to follow the example of European nations, like Germany, who have suspended asylum applications?”

Mr Lammy replied within the Commons: “I have to say that that has not been put to me in the last few hours. The issue that’s been put to me is the humanitarian need in country, the humanitarian support for neighbours.”

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Elsewhere, he mentioned the state of affairs may see a “flow” of individuals utilizing “dangerous illegal migration routes” to Europe and the UK.

Meanwhile, the UK just isn’t contemplating whether or not to unban the Islamist group that has taken energy in Syria, the Prime Minister has mentioned regardless of a Cabinet minister earlier suggesting the Government may take a swift choice on the matter.

Sir Keir Starmer instructed broadcasters on a diplomatic go to to Saudi Arabia there was “no decision pending at all” on whether or not to take away Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) from the record of proscribed terrorist organisations, including it was “far too early”.

HTS, which overthrew Bashar Assad’s regime on the weekend, is banned within the UK due to its previous affiliation with al Qaida, the terrorist organisation as soon as led by Osama bin Laden.

But its chief, Abu Mohammed al-Golani, lower ties with al Qaida years in the past and has sought to current his group as a extra average and inclusive organisation, main some to counsel the group ought to not be proscribed.

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Earlier on Monday, Cabinet minister Pat McFadden mentioned a choice on HTS wanted to be taken fairly shortly.

Downing Street mentioned on Monday that the Government retains the regime of proscribed organisations “under regular review”.

If the brand new regime in Syria have been to make use of chemical weapons, it might be “grievous”, Mr Lammy has warned.

He instructed the Commons: “(Hayat Tahrir al-Sham leader) Abu Mohammed al-Golani has been clear that he will not use chemical weapons and he will work with the OPCW (Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons) on that issue going forward. We monitor that very, very closely.

“Any use of chemical weapons would be grievous and the international community would have to come together and do all we could support the Syrian people.”

Mr Assad’s British spouse Asma is believed to be with him in Moscow, however the Prime Minister declined to say whether or not he would contemplate stripping her of her UK citizenship, including it was “too early” to say.

More follows on this breaking information story