Large number of Syrians gather at border in the hope of returning home after fall of Assad’s govt: European countries put asalum applications on hold

Hundreds of Syrian refugees gathered at two border crossings in southern Turkey on Monday, eagerly anticipating their return home following the fall of Bashar Assad’s government.

On the other hand, European countries put asylum applications from Syrians on hold until further notice on Monday after rebels seized the Syrian capital and President Bashar al-Assad fled to Russia following 13 years of civil war.

Many of the more than 6 million Syrians who have fled their country since the start of its civil war in 2011 may now be hoping that the fall of Bashar Assad’s repressive regime will finally allow them to return.

But it’s unlikely to be that simple. The nation is utterly shattered by war, to say nothing of the devastating earthquakes of 2023. Syria’s water and healthcare infrastructure is broken and the country needs billions of dollars for aid and reconstruction.

Assad’s flight is certainly a turning point in its civil war, which began in March 2011 when the military opened fire on unarmed protesters demanding greater freedom and political reforms, but it doesn’t mean the conflict is over.

Germany opened its doors wide to a surge of asylum seekers in 2015 at the height of Syria’s civil war and is now home to nearly a million Syrians, the largest community in Europe.

The Berlin Interior Ministry said on Monday it would not process asylum requests until there was more clarity on political developments in Syria.

Britain paused decisions on asylum claims as well, with the interior ministry saying it was assessing the situation.