The UK Home Office’s decision to pause asylum claims from Syrians who have been waiting over a year for a decision has sparked fear and despair among those affected.
Hussam Kassas, a Syrian who fled his homeland in 2016 after being targeted by Bashar al-assad’s regime due to his human rights activism, voiced his concerns. Kassas, who resides in Greater Manchester with his family, explained that his student visa expires soon, leaving him jobless and at risk of homelessness.Despite expecting to be granted refugee status, the UK’s hold on processing Syrian asylum claims has plunged him into uncertainty and deep anxiety.
“Those of us who escaped Syria need support, empowerment, a chance to heal from the trauma of the past 14 years,” says Kassas. “We need certainty, not the fear of being unsafe again.” He recounts the harrowing experiences he endured in Syria, from being injured in his own home, destroyed by bombs, to witnessing his father’s brutal beating by regime forces.
Kassas, now an investigator for the Syrian British Consortium, a UK-based advocacy group, firmly believes returning to Syria would be life-threatening for him and his loved ones. He points to the continued presence of Assad supporters and forces within the country, even after the fall of the regime, as a stark reminder of the dangers that still linger.
“I don’t want to be a refugee,” says Kassas. ”My homeland is Syria, and I have the right to return. But under current circumstances,I wouldn’t risk my children’s or my wife’s safety.”
Since the regime’s fall, much of Syria is now controlled by a rebel coalition led by hayat Tahir al-Sham (HTS), a group designated as a terrorist organization by the UK and other countries. The UK government’s potential removal of HTS from the list of banned terrorist groups has ignited further discussion and uncertainty within the Syrian community.
Hamid, another Syrian asylum seeker forced to flee in 2013 due to his humanitarian work, expressed similar anxieties. After journeying through Lebanon and Turkey, he arrived in the UK on a student visa and applied for asylum in late 2023. This pause in asylum decisions has left him deeply worried and his family emotionally distraught. He emphasizes the immense hardship this indefinite limbo poses for people seeking refuge who are already grappling with the trauma of displacement and loss.
“These decisions directly impact thousands of individuals who are struggling to rebuild thier lives,” Hamid stressed. “Returning to Syria is not an option due to the ongoing dangers. Yet, here in the UK, we are unable to settle and build a stable future. It’s agonizing to be stuck in this purgatory.”
Refugee rights advocates like Abdulaziz Almashi, a syrian refugee who has integrated into British society, share these concerns.
“The swiftness with which the British government, and European governments in general, are seemingly pushing Syrians aside is alarming and inhumane,” says Almashi. ”We urge them to reconsider this decision. It’s simply not realistic or acceptable to subject these vulnerable individuals to further pain and uncertainty.”
The Home Office, in response to these concerns, stated, ”The Home Office has temporarily paused processing Syrian asylum claims to assess the evolving situation in Syria. We regularly review the guidance used to process asylum claims to ensure it aligns with current events and developments.”
How does the pause in asylum claims impact the mental health of Syrian refugees in the UK?
Interview with Hussam Kassas: Insights on the UK Home Office‘s Decision to Pause Syrian Asylum Claims
Editor, Time.news: Thank you for joining us today, Hussam.The Home Office’s recent decision to pause asylum claims from syrians has raised meaningful concerns within the community. Can you share your immediate thoughts on this decision?
Hussam Kassas: Thank you for having me. This pause has left many of us in despair adn uncertainty. After fleeing Syria due to persecution for my human rights activism, I expected to be granted refugee status and start rebuilding my life here in the UK. Now, the fear of being jobless and perhaps homeless is looming over my family and me. We need support and certainty, not additional trauma.
Editor: That’s deeply unsettling. Can you elaborate on the implications this pause has for individuals like yourself and your fellow asylum seekers?
Hussam Kassas: Absolutely. This indefinite limbo is agonizing for us who have already endured so much. The ongoing trauma from our past experiences in Syria is compounded by the uncertainty of our futures. Returning to Syria is simply not an option due to the continual presence of regime forces and ongoing violence. This decision directly impacts thousands of individuals who are not just looking for stability but safety and the chance to heal.
Editor: You mentioned witnessing violence in Syria, from your own injuries to the brutal treatment of your father. How do these experiences shape your current situation in the UK?
Hussam Kassas: The trauma is ever-present, and it fuels my advocacy work with the Syrian British Consortium. We,as refugees,have the right to rebuild our lives and heal from the past,but the Home Office’s pause in processing our claims puts that at risk. We feel trapped in a cycle of fear and uncertainty, which is incredibly disheartening, especially when we yearn for a sense of belonging and security here.
Editor: There have been discussions around the potential removal of HTS from the UK’s list of banned terrorist organizations. How does this affect the Syrian community?
Hussam Kassas: The notion of removing HTS from the terrorist list is troubling. It adds another layer of confusion and fear for those of us who have experienced violence and displacement from various factions in Syria. The community is already fragile, and any move that could signal a shift in support or policy towards Syria can create additional anxiety among us. We need assurances of safety, and this uncertainty does not provide that.
Editor: Other asylum seekers like Hamid have shared similar feelings of anxiety. What can be done to support individuals in this challenging situation?
Hussam Kassas: Advocacy is crucial. We must raise our voices to urge the government to reconsider this pause. Organizations working for refugee rights are essential allies in this fight. It’s significant for the public to understand the human aspect of these policies—these decisions affect real lives, families, and futures. We need ample support services, both emotionally and financially, to help us navigate this period of uncertainty.
Editor: What would you say to policymakers regarding what refugees need from the UK government right now?
Hussam Kassas: I would urge them to prioritize the safety and well-being of refugees. We need a clear pathway to refugee status and access to resources to rebuild our lives. suspending asylum claims without a clear, humane rationale perpetuates trauma, and we must stop sidelining those who are already vulnerable. It’s not just a matter of policy—it’s about human lives.
Editor: Thank you, Hussam, for sharing your insights and experiences with us. Your viewpoint is vital in understanding the implications of government actions on vulnerable communities.
Hussam Kassas: Thank you for shedding light on these important issues. I hope that together we can create awareness and foster change for those who desperately need it.
