**UK Faces Pressure to Resume Processing of Syrian Asylum Claims**

**As the situation for Syrians remains precarious, charities and advocates urge the government to lift the freeze on asylum applications, stressing the need for case-by-case evaluations.**

Ministers are under increasing pressure to resume processing Syrian asylum applications as over 7,000 individuals remain in limbo due to a freeze initiated in December following the fall of President Bashar al-Assad’s regime. The UK paused decisions on these asylum claims to reassess risks for returnees, as conveyed by the Home Office.

Charities such as the Refugee Council have voiced their concerns, stating that Syrians are caught in an "indefinite limbo," leading to calls for urgent action to process claims on a case-by-case basis. The Home Office justifies the ongoing suspension by citing the lack of stable, objective information regarding the current situation in Syria, emphasizing that this policy will undergo constant reassessment.

Latest statistics reveal that by the end of March, a total of 7,386 Syrian asylum seekers were awaiting a decision. The downfall of Assad's regime followed a rebel offensive led by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which is still classified as a terrorist organization in the UK, creating a tense and unpredictable environment for returnees.

While the government previously indicated that many asylum claims stemmed from threats posed by Assad's government, advocates are concerned that those who fled for varied reasons, including fear of military groups, should not be deemed safe for return. Haytham Alhamwi, chairman of the Syrian British Consortium, reiterated that many individuals are still advocating for democratic reform in Syria, which remains uncertain.

Following the freeze, there was an 81% reduction in Syrian asylum applications; however, 299 refugees arrived in the UK through small boats within the first quarter of this year, constituting 5% of total arrivals.

Under the current policy, asylum seekers are not permitted to work while their applications are pending and rely on government-funded accommodation and financial support. The Refugee Council highlighted that the indefinite delay burdens taxpayers, with over 5,500 Syrians currently in government accommodations, including 2,130 in hotels.

Azadi, a 25-year-old Kurdish asylum seeker who arrived via small boat, shared that while he is grateful for the UK’s assistance, he yearns for the opportunity to work and contribute. The uncertainty surrounding his asylum claim has taken a toll on his mental well-being.

The situation is further complicated for those holding refugee status who would typically qualify for indefinite leave to remain. Leen Albrmawi, a Syrian who arrived in the UK in 2019, expressed heartbreak over the loss of her opportunity to pursue university studies after the freeze on decisions disrupted her immigration status.

Jon Featonby, chief policy analyst at the Refugee Council, pointed out that the lack of clarity regarding Syria's future safety adds to the anxiety felt by those seeking refuge. He proposed that claims based on factors unrelated to the Assad regime be prioritized to alleviate the backlog. As the UK government considers its next steps, many remain hopeful for a prompt resolution allowing Syrian asylum seekers the stability they desperately need.