The UK has paused decisions on asylum applications from Syrians following the collapse of Bashar Assad’s regime.
Millions of Syrians fled the country after the outbreak of civil war and the Assad regime’s brutal crackdown on opponents.
Thousands of Syrians have been granted asylum in the UK, but the Home Office said decisions on applications would now be paused while events unfold in Damascus.
A Home Office spokesman said: “The Home Office has paused decisions on Syrian asylum claims whilst we assess the current situation.
“We keep all country guidance relating to asylum claims under constant review so we can respond to emerging issues.”
The UK followed countries including Germany, Austria and Sweden in suspending decisions on Syrian cases.
Syrians generated the fifth largest amount of asylum claims in the year ending September 2024, Home Office statistics showed – behind Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran and Bangladesh.
Some 99% of claims were granted at initial decision.