On December 9, 2024, the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) in Germany announced a temporary suspension of asylum decisions for Syrian citizens following the ongoing political instability in Syria. This affects over 47,000 pending asylum applications from Syrians in Germany.
A BAMF spokesperson stated that individual cases would be assessed with careful consideration of the current situation in Syria. Interior Minister Nancy Faeser endorsed the decision, noting that many refugees in Germany now see a possibility of returning to Syria and contributing to its reconstruction.
As of now, there are approximately 974,000 Syrian nationals residing in Germany, with 5,090 recognized as political refugees, 321,444 acknowledged under the Geneva Convention, and 329,242 holding subsidiary protection status.
In a parallel development, Austria's Interior Ministry announced a suspension of the evaluation process for 7,300 asylum applications from Syrian citizens, following directives from Prime Minister Karl Nehammer. The ministry also indicated that previously accepted asylum claims would be re-evaluated, and family reunification processes have also been halted.