Belgium's Office of the Commissioner General for Refugees and Stateless Persons (CGRS) has announced a temporary suspension of processing Syrian asylum applications, according to

De Standaard. The decision places these applications “on hold” until there is greater clarity about the evolving situation in Syria. However, individuals awaiting decisions will still have access to reception facilities.

The announcement follows significant developments in Syria, where rebels recently seized the capital, Damascus, after over 13 years of civil war. President Bashar al-Assad has reportedly fled to Russia, leaving the country's power dynamics uncertain.

CGRS spokesperson Olivier Brasseur explained that the current situation in Syria makes it difficult to assess the risks associated with returning applicants to the country. “We have decided to temporarily suspend the processing of Syrian asylum applications, except in cases involving individuals who hold status in another EU member state, as there is no concern regarding their country of origin,” said Brasseur.

Although the applications are paused, Brasseur emphasized that reception rights remain intact. Since the onset of the Syrian civil war, approximately 35,000 Syrians have received protection in Belgium. This year alone, Syrians have constituted the largest group of asylum seekers, with 4,725 applications filed by the end of October.

Nicole de Moor, Belgium's outgoing state secretary for asylum and migration, stated that her office is closely monitoring the situation. She noted that refugee status is not automatically permanent. “If the situation in Syria improves sustainably, I will request the CGRS to reassess the refugee status of Syrians who arrived within the last five years. However, it is premature to take such measures now,” she said.

De Moor also reassured that Syrians who have integrated into Belgian society—such as those working, speaking fluent Dutch, or raising school-age children—would not face revocation of their residence permits. Additionally, she highlighted Belgium’s programs for those seeking voluntary return to Syria, emphasizing the country's robust support for such initiatives.

The decision underscores Belgium’s cautious approach to managing asylum policies amidst rapidly changing geopolitical circumstances in Syria.