Vienna: Austria is reviewing the status of Syrian refugees who arrived in the country less than five years ago, following media reports that some had received notifications stating they “no longer have to fear political persecution”. Chancellor Karl Nehammer confirmed the review on Thursday, emphasizing that the situation in Syria, particularly after Bashar al-Assad’s downfall on December 8, necessitates reassessment.
Nehammer, a conservative leader engaged in coalition negotiations while facing criticism from the far-right, seized on the developments in Syria. He argued that the security conditions in Syria should be revisited to facilitate deportations. While Austria’s caretaker government clarified that the initial focus would be on voluntary returns, those willing to go back would receive 1,000 euros ($1,037). Austria is also one of over a dozen European countries suspending the processing of Syrian asylum applications.
Legal Framework for Refugee Status Review
In his statement on X, Nehammer revealed that Austria is “now reviewing the eligibility for protection of Syrians who have been in the country for less than 5 years.” Under Austrian law, refugee status can be revoked within five years of its granting if the security situation in the country of origin changes.
Der Sturz des Assad-Regimes hat die Situation in Syrien massiv verändert. Österreich hat daher laufende Asylverfahren für Syrer ausgesetzt und überprüft nun die Schutzwürdigkeit von Syrern, die weniger als 5 Jahre bei uns im Land sind. https://t.co/5Y2QyGi1be
— Karl Nehammer (@karlnehammer) December 19, 2024
Syrians represent the largest group of asylum seekers in Austria, and the review reflects the government’s tough stance on immigration, which has been a hallmark of Nehammer’s People’s Party (OVP). The OVP’s position on immigration has prompted accusations from the far-right Freedom Party (FPO), which claims the OVP is appropriating its policies.
Political Implications and Coalition Talks
The FPO, a eurosceptic and Russia-friendly party, emerged as a major force in Austria’s September 29 parliamentary election, securing around 29% of the vote. However, lacking a parliamentary majority, it has been unable to form a government. Austria’s president has tasked Nehammer with coalition talks, currently underway with the Social Democrats and the liberal Neos.
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Syrian Refugees Face Uncertainty
Earlier reports by the news magazine Profil indicated that some Syrian refugees had received letters from Austrian authorities, notifying them that their refugee status could be revoked due to changes in the situation in Syria. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) called these actions “clearly premature,” stressing that such proceedings should only be initiated if the situation in Syria has fundamentally changed and if a safe, permanent return is feasible.
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Christoph Pinter, the UNHCR’s chief in Austria, emphasized that “that is definitely not the case at the moment,” underscoring the agency’s stance against forced returns while the security situation in Syria remains unstable.
