BRITAIN’S “deeply worrying” decision to suspend asylum applications for Syrian nationals has plunged thousands into renewed uncertainty, according to Amnesty International.

Following the ousting of the former Syrian president Bashar al-Assad, the international NGO’s refugee and migrant rights director Steve Valdez-Symonds said: “Historic as it is, the fall of Assad’s brutal regime provides no guarantee of safety whatsoever in what remains a complicated and volatile situation in Syria.

“The government’s priority should be respect for human rights and supporting Syria’s recovery from a brutal, repressive regime and a long, devastating conflict  — which could both be in serious jeopardy if countries enter or encourage a reckless race to return refugees.

“We strongly urge the government to make clear that Syrians will not be expected to return to Syria in the foreseeable future and encourage other countries to adopt the same position.”

When asked on Thursday how long the pause will last, Defence Secretary John Healey replied: “This is early days.”