EU updates asylum guidance for Syrians a year after Assad's fall

"The European Union on Wednesday issued updated guidance for asylum applications by Syrian nationals that reflects new conditions in Syria a year after the fall of the Bashar Assad. The changes may influence the result of asylum requests of some 110,000 Syrians who were still awaiting an asylum decision at the end of September. The European Union Agency for Asylum said opponents of Assad and military service evaders are no longer at risk of persecution."

"But the agency said other groups may be considered at risk in the post-Assad Syria, including people affiliated with the former government and members of the Alawites, Christians, and Druze ethnic-religious groups. While decisions on asylum applications are made at a national level, the agency's guidance is used to inform the 27 EU member states, as well as Norway and Switzerland. The goal is to create greater coherence between the 29 nations granting international protection."

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An independent news outlet emphasizes on-the-ground reporting across issues such as reproductive rights, climate change and Big Tech, producing investigations and documentaries while refusing paywalls so reporting remains freely accessible. The outlet requests donations to fund journalists. The European Union issued updated guidance on asylum applications for Syrian nationals one year after Bashar Assad's fall, potentially influencing about 110,000 pending applications. The EU Agency for Asylum says opponents of Assad and military service evaders are no longer at risk, while people affiliated with the former government and Alawite, Christian and Druze communities may be at risk. National decisions will be informed by the guidance to promote coherence among 29 protecting nations.

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