Austria’s Federal Office for Immigration and Asylum has announced that deportations to Afghanistan will be allowed on a case-by-case basis due to changes in the security situation in the country. This decision aligns Austria with Germany, which has also started deporting Afghan nationals back to Afghanistan. Vienna intends to collaborate closely with Berlin on joint deportations, following Germany’s recent deportation of 28 ‘convicted criminals’ to Afghanistan. Interior Minister Gerhard Karner has expressed support for Germany’s decision, calling it “very good” and stressing the need for repatriations to countries like Afghanistan and Syria, which collectively account for a significant portion of asylum applications in Austria.
Austria’s Federal Office for Immigration and Asylum has confirmed that deportations to Afghanistan are permissible on a case-by-case basis, and the Constitutional Court has upheld this assessment in a July ruling. Talks and efforts are currently underway to implement deportations to Afghanistan, with discussions ongoing with several European countries. Interior Minister Karner has emphasized the importance of being able to deport individuals back to Afghanistan and Syria, particularly with the presence of the Taliban regime. While Austria had refrained from deporting individuals directly to Afghanistan since the Taliban returned to power in 2021, the country now aims to resume such deportations in collaboration with other European partners.
The idea of joint deportations with Germany has garnered support within Austria’s political landscape, with the belief that cases should be thoroughly reviewed before any deportations take place. Minister of Justice Alma Zadic from the Greens party underscored the importance of applying strong and tough laws when it comes to deportations, highlighting the need to exhaust all constitutional options. Austria has seen a significant number of asylum applications from Syrians and Afghan nationals, with more than 21,000 Syrians and nearly 9,000 Afghans applying for asylum in 2023. This underscores the importance of addressing the issue of deportations in a thoughtful and systematic manner.
Interior Minister Karner clarified the necessity of repatriations to countries like Afghanistan and Syria, despite the challenges posed by the current situation in these countries. While EU law currently prohibits deportations to these countries, efforts are being made to reassess this ban and pave the way for repatriations on a case-by-case basis. The priority remains on ensuring the safety and security of individuals being deported, while also working closely with partners in the region to facilitate the repatriation process. The collaboration between Austria and Germany on joint deportations marks a significant step towards addressing the issue of deportations effectively in light of the changed security landscape in countries like Afghanistan.
The decision to resume deportations to Afghanistan comes at a time when the security situation in the country remains fragile, with the presence of the Taliban regime raising concerns about the safety of individuals being deported. However, the Austrian government is determined to move forward with repatriations, emphasizing the need to uphold the rule of law and ensure that deportations are conducted in a lawful and responsible manner. Talks and negotiations are ongoing with various European countries to coordinate the process of deportations, with the aim of facilitating the repatriation of individuals back to Afghanistan and other countries of origin. The focus remains on striking a balance between addressing security concerns and respecting the rights of individuals seeking asylum in Austria.
In conclusion, Austria’s decision to allow deportations to Afghanistan on a case-by-case basis signals a shift in the country’s approach towards repatriations in light of the changed security situation. Collaborating with Germany on joint deportations reflects a coordinated effort to address the issue of repatriations effectively and ensure the safety and security of individuals being deported. While challenges remain, efforts are being made to reassess the ban on deportations to countries like Afghanistan and Syria, with a focus on upholding the rule of law and applying strong laws to immigration and asylum cases. The resumption of deportations to Afghanistan underscores the government’s commitment to addressing the issue of repatriations in a thoughtful and systematic manner, taking into account the complexities and challenges of the current security landscape in the region.
