Information to Syrians in Denmark on the current situation

Are you a Syrian living in Denmark? We provide answers to some of the questions many might have right now

The change of power in Syria is a huge joy for almost all Syrians living here. But it also creates concern: What happens now to my asylum status? The happy posts on social media are unfortunately followed by lots of comments from Danes who write "then you can go home in a hurry!" And although the government may think the same, Denmark is fortunately bound by the European Convention on Human Rights. No need to panic!

We have collected the most obvious questions and briefly answer them here.

1) I have permanent residence in Denmark, can I lose it now?
No, you keep it regardless of what happens in your home country. You can only lose it if you commit a crime or if you are out of Denmark for more than a year.

2) I have a temporary residence permit, can I lose it now?
Not right away. But it depends on why you have been granted residence, which status you have obtained (§7.1, §7.2 or §7.3) and what will happen in Syria. Just wait and see what happens (see also point 4 below). Nothing will happen for the time being – first the Danish authorities will wait and see how things develop in Syria. And meanwhile your attachment will become stronger. Those who have asylum under §7.1 cannot lose it until there are "fundamental, stable and lasting changes" in Syria.

3) Can I travel to visit Syria?
If you have a temporary residence permit under §7 (asylum), your stay in Denmark will lapse – in some cases it can be granted again for other reasons, but it is a long process where you have to live in an asylum centre. If you are family reunified (residence under §9), you can travel to visit (for up to 6 months). If you have had legal residence due to asylum for at least 10 years AND have permanent residence, you may also travel to visit (for up to 12 months).

4) Do I lose my residence permit if the Danish authorities consider that it is no longer dangerous for someone to return?
The vast majority of Syrians have been in Denmark for approx. 10 years, and most have learned Danish and found a job and/or completed an education. This will usually be sufficient to be allowed to stay due to attachment. Even though education does not count for permanent residency, it does count when assessing attachment. For children who have gone to school in Denmark, approx. 7 years of stay will usually be enough (and then their parents will also be allowed to stay). It will mostly be older people who may be at risk of losing their residence. So far, all pending Syrian asylum cases are put on hold until medio January, and it will probably last much longer before decisions are made.

5) Can I apply for Danish citizenship and keep my Syrian?
Yes, dual citizenship is allowed. If you have both passports, you can stay for longer periods in Syria.

6) Can I apply for financial support if I choose to move back to Syria permanently?
Yes, you get quite a substantial amount with you, if you have any form of valid permit to stay. The money can be paid out in two different ways:

• Normal rules: You keep the option of regretting the return decision, and the money will be paid out in two rates – the first when you leave Denmark and the second when the deadline for regret runs out.

• Flexible payment: The whole amount is paid out at once in Copenhagen Airport just before departure, but afterwards there is no right to regret.

Read more here and book a meeting with DRC Danish Refugee Council if you consider this at some point.

7) Can our family be separated?
Spouses are not separated from each other, and children under the age of 18 are not separated from their parents. If one of the parties still has asylum or a strong attachment to Denmark, the rest will also be allowed to stay. But if a person arrived as a child and has turned 18, he/she will now have their own case – in most cases the attachment to Denmark will be strong due to many years of school etc.

Do you have any other questions? Write to kontakt@refugeeswelcome.dk, we usually reply the same day.