(de-news.net) – Following the fall of the Assad regime in Syria, the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) in Nuremberg has decided to temporarily suspend the processing of asylum applications from Syrians. A spokesperson for the agency stated that the situation in Syria is too unclear to make reliable assessments, making any decisions precarious. According to a report by the SPIEGEL news magazine, there are currently 47,270 pending asylum applications from Syrians, including approximately 46,000 first-time applications. Existing decisions are not affected by this suspension.
A BAMF spokesperson justified the decision by highlighting the unpredictable political situation in Syria, which makes it impossible to provide credible evaluations at this time. A representative from the Foreign Office echoed this sentiment. The suspension affects 47,270 asylum applications from Syrians, with no impact on existing decisions.
Interior Minister Faeser welcomes suspension of asylum reviews
Following Assad’s ousting, Germany is debating how to handle Syrian refugees. Interior Minister Nancy Faeser stated that many Syrian refugees now have hope of returning home, but concrete possibilities remain unclear due to the uncertain situation. Faeser deemed it irresponsible to speculate on this matter and welcomed BAMF’s decision to suspend asylum application reviews for Syrians. Over 47,000 asylum applications are affected by this decision. SPD Deputy Parliamentary Group Leader Dirk Wiese endorsed BAMF’s decision to temporarily halt all asylum decisions for Syrians, calling it appropriate given the current situation. He criticized calls for expedited repatriations to Syria as populist and inappropriate in the current uncertain climate. Several CSU politicians had previously made such demands.
Union parties advocate for Syrian repatriation incentives
The regime change in Syria has sparked a debate in Germany about deportations. The Union parties are advocating for incentives to encourage Syrians to return to their homeland. Alexander Throm (CDU), the Union’s spokesperson for domestic policy, suggested that many Syrians might soon wish to return voluntarily and emphasized the need for active support, such as travel allowances and flights. He also stressed the importance of preparing for deportations to Syria, highlighting the need to reassess the protection status of refugees who fled Assad’s regime and support voluntary returns. CDU foreign policy expert Roderich Kiesewetter advised waiting to see how moderate the Islamist groups are and whether they can establish a stable Syria.
Greens, SPD: uncertain developments
Green Party leader Franziska Brantner cautioned against premature debates on the future of Syrian refugees in Germany, noting ongoing conflicts in Syria and the uncertain prospects for a democratic government. SPD foreign policy expert Michael Roth dismissed calls for a halt to Syrian refugee admissions as populist, acknowledging the possibility of voluntary returns if stability is achieved but emphasizing the current uncertainty. SPD Deputy Parliamentary Group Leader Dirk Wiese warned against premature deportation demands, citing the uncertain and complex situation in Syria.
Calls for international action and return of Syrian migrants
On the other hand, FDP leader Christian Lindner proposed an international conference on Syria, suggesting that Germany could initiate such a meeting to explore external measures for establishing stability in Syria. FDP interior policy expert Konstantin Kuhle emphasized the need for Germany and its allies to work towards stability in Syria to prevent a new wave of refugees. Green migration expert Filiz Polat, on her part, urged patience and support for a peaceful transition, which would provide long-term prospects for all Syrians and reduce refugee movements to Europe and Germany.
AfD leader Weidel called for the return of Syrian refugees, asserting that many no longer have valid asylum reasons. Weidel asserted that many Syrians no longer have valid reasons for asylum, particularly those who claimed persecution by the former regime. BSW founder Sahra Wagenknecht echoed this sentiment, urging those who celebrated the Islamist takeover to return to Syria promptly. BSW leader Sahra Wagenknecht similarly urged the return of those who supported the Islamist takeover and warned of a new wave of refugees. She called on the German government to protect secular segments of Syrian society, including women, Alawites, Christians, Kurds, Armenians, and other minorities, from persecution by the new rulers.
Federal Government to evaluate HTS actions post-Assad
The German government plans to assess the actions of the Islamist group HTS, which led the rebel offensive to overthrow the Assad regime in Syria, in the coming weeks. A spokesperson for the Foreign Office stated that HTS has attempted to distance itself from its jihadist origins and establish civil structures. The credibility of these efforts will be judged based on their treatment of civilians and minorities in the areas they control. Ultimately, the group’s actions will be the determining factor. The spokesperson noted that recent statements by HTS leaders, such as calls to protect minorities in Aleppo and warnings against acts of revenge, are necessary in the current situation.
