Following the collapse of the Assad government in early December 2024, the Swiss State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) suspended the processing of asylum applications from Syrian nationals until further notice. While Syrians can still lodge asylum claims and receive an “N permit” allowing them to remain in Switzerland, no decisions are made during the suspension period.
From 1 September 2025, SEM partially resumed decision-making for two groups of Syrian applicants:
- Vulnerable persons (e.g. with health problems) who cannot safely return to Syria but were not persecuted; if eligible, they may receive provisional admission (F permit);
- Applicants who have committed serious crimes or pose a security threat, who are likely to receive a removal order.
All other cases by Syrian applicants remain suspended.
During the suspension, N permit holders receive basic support but face significant restrictions: no family reunification, limited access to work and very strict limits on travel abroad.
The suspension does not affect Syrians who hold refugee status (B or C permits), provisional admission (F permit) or other residence permits. The withdrawal of protection is not currently planned, and any future decision would require an individual assessment.
Travel to Syria is prohibited for asylum seekers, refugees and provisionally admitted persons unless exceptional permission is granted; unauthorised travel may lead to rejection of an asylum claim or revocation of status.