Updates about Syria
On 9 December 2024, the Finnish Immigration Service interrupted decision-making on Syrian asylum applications due to the changed security situation in Syria. However, it has now been possible to continue making decisions on some of the applications of Syrian citizens submitted on other grounds.
Processing and decision-making continued for some permits
Processing and decision-making have been continued for
- extended permits and permanent residence permits for Syrians granted international protection
- applications concerning aliens’ passports in which the applicant does not have a residence permit on the basis of protection in Finland
- applications for a first residence permit on the basis of family ties that require determining whether protection status should be granted.
Decisions have been constantly made on grounds that do not concern international protection, such as applications on the basis of employment and studies.
For these applications, there is no need to assess the current security situation in Syria, as the grounds for the applications are not related to the assessment of international protection.
Voluntary return to Syria
If you wish to return to Syria, you have the following options:
- If you have been granted a residence permit on the basis of international protection, you may voluntarily return to Syria. In that case, you must notify the Finnish Immigration Service of your return. Fill out the form ”Notice of voluntary return to home country”. The Finnish Immigration Service will cancel your residence permit and end your refugee status or subsidiary protection. For more information, see Ending of refugee status and subsidiary protection.
- If you have a pending asylum application and want to return to Syria, you must cancel your application. For more information, see Cancelling an application.
You may receive support for the return of Syria. For more information, see Updates about Syria.
We are constantly following the situation in Syria
The change of regime in Syria in December 2024 has led to changes in the country’s security situation. We are following the situation in the country and keep updating the information about how the situation in Syria is affecting customers of the Finnish Immigration Service on the Updates about Syria page. The page is also available in Arabic and Kurmanji.
