Germany’s Federal Office for Migration and Refugees announced a halt to Syrian asylum applications on Monday, local media reported. A spokesperson cited Syria’s uncertain political future as the main reason for the decision.
The freeze affects 47,270 pending applications in Germany, though previously decided cases remain unaffected, authorities confirmed. Austria’s Interior Ministry also announced a similar freeze, impacting 7,300 applications.
The civil war in Syria, which began in 2011 during the Arab Spring, displaced 14 million people, with one million seeking refuge in Germany.
End of Assad’s Rule and Implications for Refugees
Hayar Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) opposition forces seized control of major territories after intense clashes lasting nearly two weeks. Their victory in Damascus marked the end of Bashar al-Assad’s dynastic rule.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz welcomed the fall of Assad’s regime as “good news for now” but stressed caution. He emphasized restoring law and order in Syria as the immediate priority.
“We will judge future rulers by their ability to ensure dignity, sovereignty, and peace for all Syrians,” Scholz said.