Media: Germany, Austria suspend Syrian asylum processing

Germany and Austria are taking significant steps to pause the processing of asylum claims from Syrian nationals, reflecting concerns over the ongoing instability in Syria.

Austrian authorities have suspended all asylum procedures for Syrian applicants "until further notice," citing uncertainty about the evolving situation, Caliber.Az reports via Kronen Zeitung.

This decision comes after 12,500 Syrians applied for asylum in Austria this year, with thousands of cases still under review.

Similarly, Germany has also taken action. Der Spiegel reported that the German Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) has ceased processing asylum applications from Syrian nationals as of December 9. A BAMF spokesperson attributed the suspension to the unpredictable nature of developments in Syria, making it challenging to reach substantial decisions on pending cases.

Currently, 47,270 asylum applications from Syrians are impacted by this pause, including 46,000 initial claims. However, decisions already made will not be affected by the new restrictions.

The move by both countries signals cautious responses to the ongoing political and humanitarian uncertainties in Syria, with both Austria and Germany seeking to reassess their asylum policies amid these complex developments.

Meanwhile, thousands of Syrian nationals, many of whom are refugees displaced by the Syrian civil war, gathered in cities across Europe on December 8 to celebrate the end of the Assad family regime, which ruled the country with an iron grip for over 50 years. Jubilant Syrians assembled in Berlin and other European cities, waving flags and singing in celebration of the fall of President Bashar al-Assad.

"At last, we are free!" exclaimed a smiling Bassam Al-Hamada, 39, among the 5,000 participants at the vibrant rally in Germany's capital, which is home to the largest Syrian community in Europe.

Many waved the Syrian opposition flag and held signs with slogans such as "Free Syria" and "Freedom." 

By Aghakazim Guliyev