London (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Immigration Minister Angela Eagle confirmed that Britain would help Syrian refugees who wish to return but stressed the need to wait for the current situation in Syria to stabilise.
Around 6,500 Syrian asylum decisions have been suspended as the UK government evaluates the consequences of the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime, with plans to assist voluntary returns.
Immigration Minister Angela Eagle said the UK would support Syrian refugees who wish to return, explaining that many had fled persecution and torture under Bashar al-Assad’s government.
As reported by The Guardian, when asked if leave to remain would continue for those granted status after fleeing Syria, the minister said,
“We have suspended our consideration of the current asylum claims – about 6,500 – until we can see what emerges from the current situation.”
She added,
“If people wish to go home, we’d certainly like to facilitate that, but I think it’s too early to say what will emerge from the events that have happened in the last few days.”
Syrians represent a sixth of the 256,000 individuals granted protection since 2014.
The overthrow of Damascus by HTS and rebel factions led to Assad fleeing the country, while the capital celebrated the end of more than 10 years of brutal civil war.
Yvette Cooper, the UK Home Secretary, confirmed on Monday that asylum claim assessments would be paused due to the fast-moving political developments following the end of Assad’s regime.
In response to the current instability, other European countries, including Austria, have suspended Syrian asylum applications, with Austria preparing a “repatriation and deportation” plan.
The UK has already provided support for voluntary returns to Syria with financial incentives and is considering offering £11 million in humanitarian aid for the most vulnerable in the country.
Ms Angela mentioned that intelligence services are closely observing the current situation in Syria stating,
“Rest assured that the intelligence services are keeping a very close eye on what’s going on and we’re in contact with all of our allies to see how this pans out.”
She continued,
“Clearly any potential return of jihadists is a matter of great concern, which is why we’ll be keeping a very, very close eye on how this situation develops in the coming days and weeks.”
The shadow justice secretary, Robert Jenrick, has urged the UK government to facilitate the return of Syrians.
More than 47,000 asylum applications from Syrians are pending in Germany, with Interior Minister Nancy Faeser stating that the end of Assad’s “brutal tyranny” offers Syrians hope for returning to their homeland and rebuilding.
Germany and Britain have signed a new agreement to tackle immigration crime, with Germany set to tighten laws to criminalize the facilitation of people smuggling to Britain.
During an interview with Times Radio, Ms. Eagle said many people were fleeing to avoid the Assad regime.
She added,
“Because things are so fluid, we need to wait a little bit before we try to recommence asylum decisions in a territory where things are changing so rapidly.”
Foreign Secretary, David Lammy warned MPs in the House of Commons that while many Syrians would want to return home after Assad’s regime ends, uncertainty could result in a fresh wave of refugees from the Middle East.
The Telegraph reports that he said,
“Assad’s demise brings no guarantee of peace. This is a moment of danger as well as opportunity for Syrians and for the region.”
He added,
“The humanitarian situation in Syria is dire, with almost 17 million people in need. Millions are refugees, largely still in neighbouring Turkey, Lebanon and Jordan.”