The civil war in Syria has uprooted millions, and a large number of the people have taken shelter in the countries possessing the ability to provide protection and legality. UK is one of those destinations and Syrian Asylum applications have played a major role within the UK immigration system over the last few years. To effectively respond to the asylum process by the UK Government involving Syrians nationals, the role of Country Policy Information Notes (CPINs) and protection applications are invaluable information that one must go through in order to get a successful result.
What is Syrian Asylum?
In Syrian Asylum, the Syrian Asylum seek international protection in the UK because they fear being persecuted when they get back into Syria. The asylum seeker is required to proved that he would be in great jeopardy of being hurt once he goes back to Syria, be it as a political dissident, around his religion, ethnicity or some other basis, covered under the refugee position.
Policies of the UK Government with regard to Syrian Asylum
UK Government has created individual policies on addressing the asylum applications by the Syrian nationals owing to the humanitarian crisis in Syria. Such policies are guided by the perpetual reviews of the security process within the country and the international rights undertakings.
An important set of policy principles is:
Non-Refoulement UK is unable to deport Syrian asylum seekers back to Syria should it cause a threat of persecution or severe harm to the person.
Case-by-Case Evaluation- Asylum cases are reviewed on an individual basis depending on the situation of an applicant and up-to-date security matters.
Humanitarian Protection – Although an individual would not fit the technical definition of a refugee, he/she may be granted humanitarian protection by possibly being subjected to serious harm as soon as he returns to his country.
The Role of CPINs ( Country Policy Information Notes )
The UK Home Office has the publication of Country Policy Information Notes (CPINs) which are made to assist decision-makers when conducting asylum and human rights claim. In the case of Syrian Asylum, CPINs contain an overview of reliable, current information regarding the state of politics, security and human rights situation in Syria.
Why are CPINs important?:
They are part of evidence-based context in decision making.
They assist in the consistent decision-making in relation to asylum.
They are systematically renewed in accordance with the changes of the situation in Syria.
Protection Based on Syrian Nationals
A protection application is an official appeal of asylum/humanitarian protection. In the case of Syrian nationals this includes:
Filing Asylum Claim: This normally is done either on arrival at the port of entry or at the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) office.
Screening Interview-It is an initial assessment during which it is recorded on what personal details and the reason of being an asylum seeker.
Substantive Interview – A one on one conversation regarding the experiences, the fear and risk evidence of the applicant.
Decision -reaches a decision, based on the facts presented, CPINs, and other reliable sources.
In case a given application is rejected, one has the right to appeal under the Immigration and Asylum Chamber.
Syrian Asylum Claims Court Cases: Some common grounds
Although each asylum case is individual, there are typical cases when the Syrian nationals can receive protection:
Governmental or armed aggression.
Possibility to torture or inhuman treatment.
Religious or ethnic threat.
Opposition or political activism.
Weakness through gender violence or sexual exploitation during wars.
Syrian Asylum Cases at issue
A common reason is that there are issues that can appear even when most applications asylum of Syrians are approved:
Evidence collection- A challenge of persecutions may be presented in proving the persecutions lack evidence especially when documents are lost or destroyed in the conflict.
Credibility Evaluations: The inconsistent statements can have detrimental effects on the case even when it is because of trauma or memory divagations.
Varying Security Climate UK Government policy can be shifted by the situation changing in Syria being better or worse.
Refugees accepting Syrian Nationals.
UK also offers some types of supports to the asylum seekers in the determination process which are:
The asylum support system of accommodation.
Financial monthly support of basic needs.
Healthcare and children education forms of access.
Eligible applicants: legal aid.
Final Thoughts
The UK Syrian Asylum process is fairly complicated but requisite in certifying that people seeking protection against war and persecution are provided a refuge. Just by knowing the UK Government policies, the significance of the CPINs, the process of completing the protection applications, the Syrian nationals, and those who assist them can maneuver the system better.
Since there is a humanitarian crisis in Syria, the task of the UK being involved in providing protection is a legal requirement as well as it is a moral mission. To anyone who may wish to apply, it is important to find a legal counsel early to bolster his or her chances and prevent traps that are common to asylum cases.
