Austria’s Controversial Decision to Deport Syrian Refugees Sparks Fear
Austria is moving to revoke the refugee status of Syrian families amid increasing anti-migrant sentiments. Khaled Alnomman, a Syrian refugee, shared his emotional turmoil upon receiving the revocation letter, while other affected refugees like Ahmed Elgrk express despair over thwarted family reunifications. The Austrian government has also implemented measures to encourage voluntary returns to Syria.
In Wiener Neustadt, Austria, Syrian refugee Khaled Alnomman has diligently integrated into society since his arrival a decade ago. He has learned German, established a career as a bricklayer, and applied for citizenship. Tragically, his family received a letter indicating that their refugee status may be revoked, shattering their sense of security. Alnomman expressed, “It’s like a knife stab to the heart,” as the family’s hopes were dashed while celebrating the fall of the Assad regime.
Austria has witnessed a surge in anti-migrant sentiment, especially after the arrest of a Syrian man in connection with the stabbing death of a 14-year-old boy. Despite another Syrian refugee being praised for intervening during the incident, Alnomman voiced concerns that the actions of a few are unfairly affecting the entire Syrian community, saying, “Because of this idiot, now we all have to pay.”
In December, several European nations froze asylum requests for Syrians following the ousting of the Assad regime. Austria, hosting nearly 100,000 Syrians, escalated its actions by halting family reunifications and initiating procedures to revoke the status of approximately 2,900 individuals. The Interior Ministry has outlined plans for an orderly repatriation and deportation program to Syria, although they acknowledged that it is currently impractical and illegal.
Interior Minister Gerhard Karner announced intentions to implement “random mass checks” on the homes of Afghan and Syrian asylum seekers following the Villach incident. The government coalition currently faces pressure from the far-right Freedom Party, which seeks to suspend family reunifications for all refugee nationalities and curb overall migration rates.
Syrian refugees express deep anxiety over the letters threatening the revocation of their status, leading to sleepless nights and heightened fear within the community. Alnomman shared his distress, remarking, “I can’t sleep at night. All Syrians are afraid now.” The uncertainty surrounding their future has placed immense pressure on individuals like him.
Ahmed Elgrk, a Syrian refugee in Vienna, experienced profound despair upon learning that his family reunification hopes were thwarted after years of waiting. Having prepared for their arrival, he was devastated to receive a letter indicating that his refugee status was under review, stating, “For four years I have told my family, ‘Just have a little bit more patience, we are almost there.’ I prepared everything.”
To encourage voluntary returns to Syria, the Austrian government has offered financial incentives of 1,000 euros to refugees. Reports indicate that approximately 100 individuals have accepted these offers, further highlighting the distress and uncertainty within the Syrian refugee community in Austria.
The recent actions by the Austrian government, threatening the refugee status of many Syrians, have created a climate of fear and unrest among the displaced community. Despite their attempts to integrate, individuals like Khaled Alnomman and Ahmed Elgrk face the stark reality of losing their homes and familial connections due to rising anti-migrant sentiment. This situation underscores the precarious position of refugees in Austria amidst political pressures and societal challenges.
Original Source: www.france24.com
