Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, for what reason her Department paused the processing of applications made by Syrian asylum seekers on 9 December 2024.

We keep all country guidance relating to asylum claims under constant review, so we can respond to emerging issues. Following the fall of the Assad regime in Syria, the Home Office has withdrawn the Country Policy Information Notes and Guidance relating to Syria.

Consequently, as the Home Office continues to assess the current situation in Syria, the Home Office has temporarily paused decisions on Syrian asylum claims.