The Austrian government is moving to revoke the refugee status of approximately 2,900 Syrians, citing growing anti-migrant sentiments and safety concerns after a violent incident involving a Syrian refugee. This has caused distress within the community, affecting family reunifications and instilling fear among refugees. Many are facing uncertainty, with some accepting government incentives to return to Syria amid these developments.
Khaled Alnomman, a Syrian refugee in Austria for a decade, has made significant efforts to integrate, including learning German and becoming a bricklayer. His children, born and raised in Austria, identify more with their host country. However, their lives were disrupted when they received a notice from Austrian authorities intending to revoke their refugee status. Alnomman expressed deep distress, stating, “It’s like a knife stab to the heart.”
In recent months, anti-migrant sentiments in Austria have escalated, exacerbated by a violent incident involving a Syrian refugee. Despite another Syrian being commended for his bravery during the attack, Alnomman lamented the broader implications for the Syrian community, noting, “Because of this idiot, now we all have to pay.” The Austrian government has initiated random asylum status checks following the incident, raising concerns among the refugee population.
Austria, home to approximately 100,000 Syrians, has implemented policies including the suspension of family reunifications and the commencement of procedures to revoke refugee statuses for 2,900 individuals. The interior ministry indicated plans for a repatriation program to Syria, though recognizing legal obstacles. Additionally, Interior Minister Gerhard Karner has proposed conducting unannounced checks on Afghan and Syrian asylum seekers’ residences as part of a wider effort to manage migration.
Asylum experts state that the revocation letters do not immediately affect refugees’ rights to remain in Austria, yet they have caused significant anxiety within the Syrian community. Alnomman articulated the prevailing fear, saying, “We can’t sleep at night. All Syrians are afraid now.” He expressed frustration regarding the apparent rejection of their presence in Austria.
The recent halt on family reunifications has severely impacted families like that of Ahmed Elgrk, who has been separated from his wife and five children for four years. His attempts to reunite with them ended in disappointment as he received a notice to revoke his status while preparing to bring them to Austria. Elgrk shared his emotional pain, reflecting, “For four years I have told my family, ‘Just have a little bit more patience… I prepared everything.'”
The Austrian government is also offering financial incentives of 1,000 euros for Syrians to return voluntarily, leading to nearly 100 opting to accept the offer so far, illustrating the desperate situation many refugees face as their futures remain uncertain in Austria.
In summary, the situation for Syrian refugees in Austria has deteriorated amid rising anti-migrant sentiments and government policies aimed at curtailing their status. The initiative to revoke refugee statuses has instilled fear and anxiety within the community, particularly impacting family reunifications. As many wrestle with the potential loss of their rights and the threat of deportation, the government’s financial incentives for voluntary return further complicate the already challenging circumstances for these families. Ultimately, the balance between national security and humanitarian responsibility remains a contentious issue.
Original Source: www.france24.com
