Seeking Asylum after Assad: the impact of the fall of the regime on Syrian asylum seekers in Europe
The fall of Assad’s regime in Syria on December 8th last year has had profound consequences for Syrian asylum seekers across Europe. In response, countries such as Germany, Austria, and Greece have frozen asylum claims, leaving thousands in limbo. This abrupt policy shift has exacerbated the uncertainty the regime changed caused, as well as impacting mental well-being, employment prospects, and access to vital services such as healthcare and education.
The Immediate Response from European Countries
Within hours or days of the regime’s collapse, European governments halted asylum applications from Syrians. This decision was justified with the assumption that with Assad gone, Syria would become a stable and safe country, eliminating the need for international protection. However, the fall of the regime was unexpected, and its impacts on access to rights in Syria are unclear.
“It wasn’t really based on any research about whether the situation in Syria was improving or worsening,” our social worker explains. “European governments decided to stop processing claims without providing any explanation or guidance.”
The Impact on Syrian Asylum Seekers
The sudden freeze in asylum applications has left many in limbo. In 2024 alone, approximately 500,000 Syrians applied for asylum in Europe. For those already in the process, everything has come to a halt. Syrians who have arrived in Greece since December 2024 can still apply for asylum, but their interviews and decisions on their claims are being indefinitely delayed.
“People are left without any answers. Those waiting for asylum decisions now have no idea about their future.”
Deportations to Syria have not yet begun, but concerns remain that if it is formally deemed “safe,” many may face forced return, regardless of the realities on the ground.
The rapid policy shift has led to widespread confusion, misinformation, and fear. NGOs and legal professionals working with asylum seekers are struggling to provide clear guidance because government officials lack clear directives.
“Even the asylum service itself doesn’t seem to know exactly what the next steps are. This lack of transparency makes it difficult for people to plan their futures.”
The lack of official updates has left space for rumours and misinformation to proliferate. Some fear deportation, while others believe they no longer have any chance of accessing international protection.
Advocacy and Response from NGOs
In response to these challenges, advocacy groups and NGOs are working to gather accurate information and push for clarity. Some organisations are collecting testimonies and legal analyses to advocate for fairer and more transparent procedures.
“Syrian voices need to be heard. They are the ones most affected by these decisions, and I think it’s really important that they can share their experiences for people to understand.”
The Political Motive Behind Europe’s Reaction
The sudden policy shift reflects a broader trend in European refugee policy—one driven by political considerations rather than humanitarian concerns. With right-wing parties gaining influence across the continent, there is increasing pressure to restrict asylum access and deter future arrivals.
“The fall of Assad was used as an excuse to tighten border policies. Instead of assessing the actual conditions in Syria, European governments used it as an opportunity to reduce the number of asylum seekers.”
Given the uncertainty surrounding Syria’s future, Mazí argues that European governments should:
Resume Asylum Processing: Instead of freezing claims, authorities should continue assessing applications based on individual risk factors.
Provide Clear Communication: Asylum seekers should receive transparent information about how the situation in Syria might affect their claims.
Offer Humanitarian Support: Syrians should be given access to healthcare, social services, employment, and legal assistance.
The situation remains fluid, and the lack of a structured response from European governments has left thousands in a precarious position. European policymakers must prioritise human rights and ensure that asylum seekers are not left stranded due to rushed and politically motivated decisions. For now, the uncertainty persists, leaving Syrians and those working to support them searching for answers in an increasingly hostile political landscape.
Written by Lara Stauss and Orsalia Papadimitriou
