Austria rejects criticism of its handling of Syrians seeking refuge, saying it’s not alone in Europe. The situation in Syria has changed, we should take note of that, said Austrian Interior Minister Gerhard Karner (ÖVP) to the “World”. We’re not planning mass deportations, nor can we sit idly by, the minister added.
Karner defended Austria’s approach, which differs from that of Germany and most other EU states, in not only suspending asylum decisions after the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime but also pushing for a quick return of Syrians: The voluntary return to their homeland is the best solution for most Syrians – and Austrian taxpayers, he said.
Each of the approximately 100,000 Syrians could help rebuild their homeland after a return, Karner said. Austrian authorities will assist in obtaining documents and organizing the trip. Additionally, Austria has set up a website for voluntary returnees and increased the so-called return premium to 1,000 euros.
Karner also announced concrete steps for the case of those who do not want to return voluntarily: “Protection is always only temporary. We are now preparing for orderly deportations. The priority is initially on criminal offenders and Syrians who do not integrate and do not want to work.” All previously granted residence permits will also be checked.