New policy on Syria: no reassessments; Druze now classified as a risk group
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On 22 April 2026, the Minister for Asylum and Migration announced that the policy regarding Syrians was being changed. From now on, Druze will be regarded as a risk profile. Asylum applications will not be reassessed at this stage.
Changes to asylum policy for Syria
On 2 February 2026, a new
Druze people are being assigned a 'risk profile'
The official report of 2 February 2026 covered the period from May to December 2025. During that period, various acts of violence against Druze people took place in the province of Suweida. Even after last summer’s ceasefire, several violent incidents occurred in which Druze people lost their lives. On social media, Druze people were described as infidels, traitors or agents of Israel. Druze people are therefore now regarded as a
Domestic protection alternative: a safe place within one’s own country
Until now, Dutch policy has been based on the assumption that Syrians facing danger in the region they came from could not live safely elsewhere in the country. From now on, this will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. This means that, from now on, authorities will consider whether someone facing danger might nevertheless be able to live safely elsewhere in the country. However, the Netherlands has not yet designated any areas as safe.
According to the official report, there were still regular incidents of violence in various provinces across Syria between May and December 2025. There was also a lack of stability. However, there have been fewer incidents and less lethal violence.
No reassessments of asylum permits
As it is still unclear whether the situation in Syria has improved for the long term, temporary asylum permits are not yet being reviewed. The
A new official report will assess whether the situation has improved. A new official report is expected by the end of 2026.