The Home Office paused interviews and decisions on Syrian asylum claims on December 9, last year, citing the need to 'assess the current situation' in Syria following the collapse of Bashar Assad's regime.

This freeze also applies to Syrians who have already been granted refugee status and are now seeking indefinite leave to remain.

According to government figures, at least 7,000 people have been affected by the wider pause on asylum decisions as of the end of March.

The number of Syrians awaiting a decision on permanent settlement is unknown.

Lawyers argue that if the government cannot assess whether Syria is safe to return to, it must uphold its obligations under UK immigration rules and international law.