Germany and Austria halt asylum process for Syrians

(Patria) - Germany and Austria yesterday halted the processing and verification of asylum applications from Syrian nationals, after the regime of President Bashar al-Assad was overthrown in that country over the weekend.

German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser (SPD) stated that, given the unclear situation in Syria, the decision to halt the processing of asylum applications from citizens of this country is correct.

"Many refugees who have sought help in Germany can now hope to return to their homeland and rebuild the country," Faeser said.

The Christian Democratic Union (CDU/CSU) has already publicly proposed offering every Syrian refugee a 1,000 euro bonus for returning to Syria.

The Christian Democrats, whose party could emerge as the winner in the upcoming early parliamentary elections, have proposed holding a conference to plan the return and reconstruction of Syria.

The conference would be attended by countries that have received the largest number of refugees from Syria, such as Turkey, Jordan, Austria, and Germany.

Austria has also halted the processing of currently pending applications for protection status from Syrian nationals due to the new situation in Syria.

At the same time, all asylum applications that have been positively resolved so far should be re-examined.

"In connection with the new situation, I have instructed the ministry to prepare an organized process for return and deportation to Syria," said Austrian Interior Minister Gerhard Karner.

The family reunification process has also been halted until further notice.