Let us Visit Syria without loss Of rights in Germany, say refugees

Syrians in Germany have called on the government to allow them to travel to their home country for short visits without risking their refugee status, as questions mount over how the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime will affect the millions of Syrians who live in Europe.

- Ashifa Kassam Deborah Cole Berlin

More than a month after a lightning advance by rebels toppled the Assad family's 54-year rule, the residency status of many Syrians across Europe remains in limbo. A dozen or so countries suspended the processing of asylum applications from Syrians. Austria went further to say it was preparing a "repatriation and deportation" programme.

Officials' swift response has increased the trepidation many Syrians across the continent feel as they consider whether or not to return. It is a particularly fraught question for those who have not been able to obtain citizenship in an EU country.

"People are afraid to go to Syria and lose their status as refugees or asylum applicants," said Anwar al-Bunni, the head of the Syrian Centre for Legal Studies and Research, based in Berlin.