Switzerland suspends asylum procedures for Syrians

Switzerland has suspended asylum procedures for Syrians following the fall of Damascus to anti-regime forces and the flight of ousted dictator Bashar al-Assad to Russia. This move mirrors similar actions by other European countries, which have also paused asylum applications.

Details

• Swiss government decision: The Swiss State Secretariat for Migration announced on Monday evening that it would suspend asylum procedures for Syrians due to the inability to properly assess whether asylum claims are valid or if deportation orders could be enforced.

Le #SEM suspend les procédures et les décisions d'asile pour les requérants d'asile syriens jusqu'à nouvel ordre. Le SEM n'est actuellement pas en mesure d'examiner de manière fondée s'il existe des motifs d'asile et si l'exécution d'un renvoi est raisonnablement exigible.

— SEM (@SEMIGRATION) December 9, 2024

• Official statement: The secretariat stated on X (formerly Twitter): “Asylum procedures and decisions for Syrian asylum seekers are suspended immediately until the situation can be reassessed.”
• European trend: Switzerland’s decision follows actions taken by other European governments, which have temporarily halted asylum applications from Syrians due to the ongoing political uncertainty.

What’s next

• Reevaluation: Swiss authorities will reassess the situation in Syria before resuming asylum procedures or making deportation decisions.