Netherlands Updates Syria Asylum Policy with New Safety Assessment Rules
The Hague, 23 April 2026
Dutch asylum authorities will now assess whether Syrian refugees can relocate to safer regions within Syria, marking a significant shift from previous blanket protection policies. The updated policy also recognises Druze minorities as a specific risk group following violent escalations in Suweida province during summer 2025, including kidnappings of women and destruction of religious sites.
Key Policy Changes Take Effect
Minister Bart van den Brink of Asylum and Migration submitted the updated Syria country policy to the Dutch Parliament on Tuesday, 22 April 2026 [1]. The policy introduces a fundamental change in how asylum cases are assessed, with the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) now required to examine on an individual basis whether an asylum seeker can relocate to a safe part of Syria to avoid risks, known as the internal protection alternative [1]. Previously, the policy assumed that relocating to another part of Syria was not an option if there were fears for one’s safety [1]. This shift represents a more restrictive approach to Syrian asylum claims, as authorities can now argue that protection is available within Syria itself rather than in the Netherlands.
Druze Community Recognised as Vulnerable Group
The updated policy specifically includes Druze people as a recognised risk profile following serious violent escalations in Suweida province during summer 2025 [1]. These incidents involved kidnappings of Druze women and girls, as well as the destruction of Druze religious sites [1]. The violence against the Druze community continued beyond the summer escalation, with multiple incidents resulting in deaths of Druze civilians [1]. This recognition means that individuals from the Druze minority will receive special consideration during asylum assessments, acknowledging the targeted nature of persecution they face in Syria.
Moratorium Remains Lifted Despite Fragile Security
The policy maintains the lifting of the Syria moratorium that occurred in June 2025, meaning rejected Syrian asylum seekers can in principle be returned to Syria, provided their individual safety situation allows [1]. However, the most recent official report from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, dated 30 January 2026, indicates that while violence in Syria decreased in the second half of 2025, the situation remains fragile due to sporadic violent outbreaks, particularly in Suweida province and the northeast [1]. Although the human rights situation appears to have improved compared to the Assad regime period, it cannot yet be determined whether this improvement is permanent [1]. Consequently, the review of existing residence permits for Syrian status holders is not currently being considered [1].
Broader Context of Dutch Asylum Policy
The Syria policy update comes at a time of significant changes to Dutch asylum legislation. On 21 April 2026, the Dutch Senate rejected the previous cabinet’s Asylum Emergency Act, which would have implemented the strictest asylum system yet, including shorter residency permits and more difficult family reunification [2]. The law was defeated primarily due to a PVV amendment that would have criminalised being undocumented in the country, which various parties argued could result in ordinary citizens receiving criminal records for helping undocumented individuals [2]. However, the Senate did approve a two-status system that distinguishes between people fleeing persecution due to sexual orientation, ethnicity, or religion (A status) and those fleeing war and climate disasters (B status), with the latter receiving more limited rights [2]. Minister Van den Brink emphasised that the cabinet continues to monitor the Syrian situation closely, with future policy changes to be considered upon the next official report [1].