Context
The Home Office temporarily paused interviews and decisions on Syrian asylum claims following the fall of the Assad regime. Organizations in Scotland have reported heightened anxiety among Syrian asylum seekers due to this pause.
Question
I am sure my hon. Friend will agree that the UK Government, together with the international community, are looking for a peaceful solution in Syria that puts the people of Syria first. Organisations working with the Syrian communities in Scotland, such as the Scottish Refugee Council, have reported a sense of heightened anxiety among Syrians currently in the asylum system, and wonder whether people seeking protection should be kept in limbo any longer than is necessary. There are also concerns that the pause in decision making may increase the backlog of asylum cases, contributing to the legacy backlog left by the Conservative Government. Is my hon. Friend able to give a timeline for her decision making?
Answer from The Minister for Border Security and Asylum (Dame Angela Eagle)
I understand the heightened anxiety among Syrian asylum seekers, but the Home Office relies on the country information in order to make decisions on whether particular people need protection, and that information is currently in the middle of quite profound change. When we are in a position to make decisions against new, more up-to-date information, we will certainly do so. I hope the Syrian community will be patient and not too anxious about the pause currently in place.
Not addressed: The Minister did not provide a specific timeline for decision-making on Syrian asylum claims.
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