On Tuesday 10 December 2024, the General Department of Immigration of Luxembourg's Ministry of Home Affairs announced the temporary suspension of the processing of international protection (asylum) applications from Syrian nationals.
This decision follows recent developments in Syria, notably the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime. Several other European countries have similarly halted the asylum application process for Syrians, including the United Kingdom plus Luxembourg's neighbours Germany and France, to name a few.
Luxembourg's authorities clarified that this suspension is temporary and is aimed at allowing for "a thorough analysis of the new geopolitical situation in Syria in consultation with the other [EU] Member States". The suspension is expected to "allow for consultation between European counterparts to ensure a harmonised approach", while keeping an eye on the evolution of the human rights situation in Syria.
During the suspension, international protection applicants will continue to have access to accommodation in the designated reception shelters and the ministry assured there would be "no deterioration in their material or administrative conditions".
Moreover, even though processing has been suspended, Syrian nationals may still submit an application for international protection. Likewise, the suspension will not affect cases under the Dublin procedure (used to determine which EU Member State is responsible for processing an asylum application).
