Mass rejection of Syrians: Asylum lawyers fear a wave of massive lawsuits
Germany is rapidly rejecting a large number of asylum applications submitted by Syrians, raising concerns about a wave of lawsuits that could overwhelm the administrative courts in the country. Lawyers warn that many of these decisions may not hold up in court.
When the Assad regime fell about a year ago, asylum procedures for Syrians were suspended due to the severe ambiguity in the situation inside the country. Now, the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) has resumed issuing decisions — most of which end in rejection. In October alone, 3,134 cases were processed, and asylum was granted in only one case.
Immigration attorney Michael Briner says that Syrian refugees are shocked by the sudden decisions after months of administrative silence. Many received rejection decisions without a new hearing, despite the real individual risks in Syria. Briner believes that the office is following a general directive instead of studying each case individually, even though many Syrians may at least deserve a stay of deportation for health reasons or for not being able to secure basic needs such as 'a bed, bread, soap.'
Weeks ago, Foreign Minister Johan Fadibol highlighted the catastrophic conditions in Syria during his visit to devastated areas such as Damascus and Harasta, pointing out the lack of electricity, water, and infrastructure. Lawyers emphasize that such statements should be taken into account when considering cases, especially for Syrians affected by Western identity who may face harsh penalties under the rule of conservative Islamic authorities if deported.
Administrative court judges warn that the judicial system is already overloaded and may face collapse with more than 52,000 pending Syrian asylum applications. Chief Judge Caroline Bolo emphasizes that without strengthening staff, accelerating digitization, and developing the judicial infrastructure, a severe delay in cases will be inevitable. Lawyers expect the cancellation of many BAMF decisions, and they believe that the implementation of mass deportations to Syria is unlikely soon, as Germany has not yet reached any deportation agreement with Damascus.