The Danish Refugee Appeals Board has resumed processing cases for Syrian refugees after a nearly seven-month pause, citing significant changes in the political landscape of Syria.
Resumption of Syrian Refugee Cases in Denmark
After a hiatus lasting almost seven months, Denmark’s Refugee Appeals Board is now set to resume the processing of cases involving Syrian refugees. This pause was implemented in December 2024 following the fall of the Assad regime, when the situation in Syria was deemed chaotic and uncertain. However, the board has recently indicated that it believes sufficient clarity has been achieved regarding the circumstances in Syria, allowing these cases to be reconsidered.
Initially, the pause on processing asylum claims was established due to the volatile conditions in Syria that emerged after the political upheaval which saw the regime change. The Refugee Appeals Board announced on its official website that, “There is no longer a basis for maintaining the suspension of cases in the board.”
This decision is based on the evolving political and security environment in Syria, which has changed since the power shift. The board handles what are known as negative decisions from the Danish Immigration Service, those cases where asylum seekers have been denied residency or protection.
Impact on Pending Cases
The Refugee Appeals Board is sending approximately 75 individual cases back to the Danish Immigration Service for further review. These cases involve asylum seekers whose original decisions were made prior to the regime change and, as such, were based on a different political and security context than what currently exists.
In addition, the board announced the lifting of the temporary suspension of departure deadlines for individuals slated for expulsion to Syria. This measure affects about 30 cases involving individuals who have received refusals for residence permits, have been denied extensions, or have had their residence permits revoked. The board will now assess the fates of these individuals in light of the current situation.
As these assessments occur, Syria has seen significant political developments. The new president of Syria, Ahmed al-Sharaa, has formed a transitional government. He was appointed as the interim president in January 2025, promising to establish an “inclusive transitional government that represents various communities.”
This political transition will likely affect the circumstances of those seeking asylum in Denmark and could lead to revisions in how their cases are perceived and adjudicated by authorities.
Broader Context of Refugee Arrivals in Denmark
This resumption comes at a time when Denmark is grappling with the broader implications of its refugee policies. According to the Danish Immigration Service, in 2023 alone, Denmark received over 1,800 applications for asylum from individuals hailing from Syria, illustrating the ongoing humanitarian crisis. The continuation of these processes and evaluations is critical not just for those seeking refuge but also for understanding Denmark’s stance on international humanitarian obligations.
The reinstatement of these cases and a reevaluation process may bring hope to many Syrian refugees who had previously faced financial and legal uncertainties due to the halt. However, the Danish government is also under increasing pressure to ensure that its asylum policies align with international human rights standards amidst evolving conditions in Syria.
The Danish Refugee Appeals Board’s decision to review old cases indicates a responsive approach to changing geopolitical realities, but the true implications of this policy shift will only unfold as more cases are reassessed and adjudicated.
In summary, the reopening of cases for Syrian refugees marks a significant shift in Denmark’s refugee policy. With around 75 cases being reassessed and the significant transition taking place in Syria under President Ahmed al-Sharaa, the situation remains fluid and will require ongoing attention from both policymakers and advocacy groups. The hope is that these changes lead to fairer and more comprehensive decisions for those seeking asylum in Denmark as the country navigates this complex landscape.
