European nations freeze Syrian asylum applications, many Syrian refugees wish to return home

European nations have decided to freeze Syrian asylum applications following the recent collapse of the Syrian Assad regime and the subsequent instability in the war-torn country. Since the Syrian Civil War erupted in 2011, millions of Syrians have become refugees across the Middle East, Europe and beyond.

During the peak of the Syrian refugee crisis, over one million Syrians arrived in Europe, with the majority settling in Germany due to its liberal immigration policies at the time. Germany's recent decision to suspend Syrian asylum applications now impacts approximately 47,000 Syrians living within the country.

German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser warned against any drastic decisions amid the volatile situation in Syria

"At this stage, it is impossible to determine a concrete possibility for returning to the country. In such a volatile situation, it would be unprofessional to speculate," Faeser stated.

"The fall of Assad’s brutal dictatorship is a great relief for many who endured torture, murder and terror," she continued. "For many refugees who found safety in Germany, there is finally hope to return to their homeland and rebuild their country."

While it will likely take many years to rebuild Syria, it is currently unclear how many Syrians abroad wish to return home, however, a large number of Syrians across Europe have celebrated the downfall of the Assad regime.

"Like many Syrians, I want to return to my country and help rebuild it," said Bassam, a social worker who has lived in Germany since 2016.

However, some Syrians in exile believe that they can better support Syria from abroad.

"What Syria needs most is money and expertise. We can gather all of that from here for now,” said Sabrine, a 36-year-old architect.

European countries are deeply divided by the migration crisis. While liberal parties stress that Europe needs to welcome refugees in distress, European right-wing parties have gained popularity due to their anti-migration policies.

Austria has also decided to freeze Syrian asylum applications. Around 100,000 Syrians have arrived in Austria since 2015. Chancellor Karl Nehammer has reportedly instructed Interior Minister Gerhard Karner to suspend the further processing of asylum applications and "to prepare a plan for organized returns and deportations to Syria."

Sweden has also suspended the processing of asylum applications for Syrian migrants. Approximately 200,000 Syrians are reportedly living in Sweden, with over 50,000 arriving in 2015 alone.

"Given the current situation, it is difficult to assess the grounds for protection at this time," Carl Bexelius, a senior official at the Swedish Migration Agency, assessed.

Jimmie Åkesson, leader of the Sweden Democrats, a right-wing anti-migration party, believes that Islamists in Sweden could be bolstered by the Islamist takeover in Syria. He is now advocating for the return of Syrian migrants.

"Destructive Islamist forces are behind the regime change in Syria. I see groups here in Sweden celebrating these developments. They should see this as an opportunity to return home. New circumstances require new evaluations. That’s why it’s important to reassess the residency permits of those who left Syria for Sweden," Åkesson argued.

Greece, Denmark and the United Kingdom have likewise suspended asylum applications for Syrians.

Syrians in Turkey are reportedly also considering returning to their homeland.

"We are so happy. Everyone will return; no one will stay here," said Ali, an 18-year-old Syrian migrant in Turkey.