Greece suspends Syrian asylum bids amid Assad regime collapse

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Greece has suspended the processing of asylum applications from Syrian nationals, affecting around 9,000 applicants.

The move follows significant political upheaval in Syria after rebels seized Damascus, prompting President Bashar al-Assad to flee to Russia, ending his 13-year rule.

The Greek government has not made an official statement, but sources told Ekathimerini that the Migration Ministry is reviewing the situation and plans to issue a statement on Friday.

Syrian opposition fighters celebrate the fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime, December 8, 2024. OMAR SANADIKI / AP
Syrian opposition fighters celebrate the fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime, December 8, 2024. Photo: Omar Sanadiki / AP.

Several other European countries, including Germany, Norway, Austria, and Denmark, have also paused Syrian asylum applications.

Germany’s Interior Ministry stated it would wait for more clarity on Syria’s political developments before resuming processing. Austria’s Chancellor, Karl Nehammer, has ordered a suspension of all Syrian applications, including reviews of previously approved cases.

Source: Ekathimerini

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