Syrian refugees in Austria are facing potential deportation as the government seeks to revoke statuses amid rising anti-migrant sentiments sparked by violent incidents. Many have integrated into society, yet recent actions, including halted family reunifications, have instigated fear and uncertainty within the community. The government’s offer of financial incentives for voluntary repatriation further complicates their already challenging situation.
In Wiener Neustadt, Austria, Syrian refugee Khaled Alnomman has made significant efforts to integrate into society since fleeing his home country a decade ago. He has learned German, secured employment as a bricklayer, and applied for citizenship. His children, particularly the youngest born in Austria, have become accustomed to their new life, feeling more Austrian than Syrian. However, their lives took a distressing turn when they received a notification from Austrian authorities indicating a move to revoke their refugee status.
Alnomman expressed the emotional toll this news has inflicted, describing it as a “knife stab to the heart.” The climate surrounding migrants has grown increasingly hostile following a violent incident in which a Syrian refugee was arrested for the murder of a 14-year-old boy in a suspected Islamist attack. This incident appears to have intensified anti-migrant sentiments across Austria, with Alnomman lamenting that such actions lead to collective punishment for the entire Syrian community.
In December 2022, various European nations paused asylum requests for Syrians, following the change in leadership after years of civil war that displaced millions. Austria, with a Syrian population nearing 100,000, has taken even broader measures. The government recently ceased family reunifications and has initiated the process to revoke the refugee status of approximately 2,900 individuals. Although the interior ministry acknowledges that repatriation to Syria is currently unlawful, they are preparing for such actions in the future.
Austria’s Conservative Interior Minister Gerhard Karner has proposed legally permitting random mass checks on the homes of Afghan and Syrian asylum seekers in light of recent incidents. Responding to pressure from the far-right Freedom Party, which gained significant ground in the recent elections, the government plans to extend the cessation of family reunifications to all refugees.
Syrians in Austria are enduring heightened anxiety regarding their status, as indicated by Alnomman’s comments on the distress this uncertainty has caused. He conveyed that, “We cannot sleep at night. All Syrians are afraid now.” The revocation letters have created a climate of dread within the community, leaving many questioning their place in the country.
For many, the impact of halted family reunifications is devastating. Ahmed Elgrk, a food delivery rider in Vienna, shared his anguish over being separated from his wife and children for four years. Upon receiving a letter signaling the start of the revocation process for his status, he felt a deep sense of despair, stating that it painfully affects his entire family.
The Austrian government has offered financial incentives for Syrians opting to return voluntarily, with approximately one hundred individuals having accepted this offer thus far. This situation highlights the precarious circumstances that many refugees currently face in Austria, as they navigate a landscape of uncertainty and fear for their future.
The situation for Syrian refugees in Austria has become increasingly precarious as the government moves to deport individuals and revoke refugee statuses amidst rising anti-migrant sentiments. Personal stories illustrate the profound emotional distress faced by refugees, as many fear for their safety and the future of their families. The ongoing political pressure will likely continue to impact the lives of those seeking refuge in Austria, underscoring the fragile nature of their circumstances.
Original Source: www.france24.com
