Austria is moving to deport Syrian refugees, leading to rising fears within the community. Khaled Alnomman, a Syrian refugee, expressed distress over potential revocation of his family’s refugee status. With anti-migrant sentiments on the rise, many refugees face the threat of deportation and halted family reunifications. The Austrian government is preparing measures to facilitate deportation while offering financial incentives for refugees to return to Syria.
In Wiener Neustadt, Austria, Khaled Alnomman, a Syrian refugee, has made significant efforts to integrate into Austrian society over the past decade. He learned German fluently, secured employment as a bricklayer, and has been in the process of applying for citizenship. His youngest child was born in Austria, and his other children feel more Austrian than Syrian. However, their sense of belonging was shattered when they received a notice from authorities indicating the intention to revoke their refugee status.
The situation for Syrians is exacerbated by rising anti-migrant sentiment in Austria, particularly following a tragic incident involving an arrested Syrian who allegedly killed a 14-year-old boy in Villach. Alnomman expressed that such events tarnish the reputation of the entire community, stating, “Because of this idiot, now we all have to pay.”
In December, several European nations halted asylum requests for Syrians after the fall of the Assad regime, but Austria has implemented even stricter measures. With approximately 100,000 Syrians residing in the country, it has suspended family reunification and initiated processes to revoke refugee status for around 2,900 individuals. The Austrian interior ministry is now preparing a repatriation program for Syria, despite acknowledging that the current situation prevents lawful action.
Conservative Interior Minister Gerhard Karner has proposed “random mass checks” on the homes of Afghan and Syrian asylum seekers, responding to political pressure from the opposition far-right Freedom Party. The coalition government aims to expand its suspension of family reunifications to refugees of all nationalities.
The fear among the Syrian community in Austria is palpable, with individuals like Alnomman sharing their distress. “We cannot sleep at night. All Syrians are afraid now,” he lamented, highlighting the emotional toll of the uncertainty surrounding their legal status.
The family reunification suspension significantly affects individuals like Ahmed Elgrk, a food delivery rider, who has been separated from his wife and children for four years. Upon receiving notice about the revocation of his refugee status just as he was planning to reunite with his family, he expressed deep anguish, stating, “It hurts my whole family.”
The Austrian government has also offered financial incentives for Syrians to return voluntarily, with around 100 having accepted the offer thus far. The situation remains tense, as many are left worrying about their futures amidst impending deportation measures and legal instability.
Austria’s recent moves to revoke the refugee status of Syrians and halt family reunifications have sparked considerable anxiety within the Syrian community. Anti-migrant sentiment continues to rise, partly due to isolated incidents involving some refugees. The government is intensifying checks on asylum seekers while offering financial incentives for voluntary return. This situation has established a climate of fear and uncertainty for many families separated by these policies.
Original Source: www.france24.com
