Austria to continue deportations of convicted refugees to Afghanistan and Syria
Austria will persist in holding technical discussions with Taliban officials in Afghanistan. The talks aim to facilitate the return of convicted refugees to the country. Interior Minister Gerhard Karner made the announcement during a parliamentary debate on Wednesday.
Karner also confirmed that deportations to Syria would proceed, targeting those with criminal convictions. He insisted that law-abiding residents would remain unaffected by the policy changes.
Speaking in the Aktuelle Stunde debate, Karner stressed that mass deportations had no place in a constitutional democracy. Instead, he argued for a focused approach on removing convicted criminals from Austria. The minister described this as a necessary step to maintain public safety.
The government’s position includes ongoing negotiations with Afghanistan’s Taliban-led administration. These discussions are meant to ease logistical hurdles in sending back refugees with criminal records. Karner did not disclose specific names of individuals in Syria who might be exempt from deportation, but he reaffirmed protections for those considered valued members of society.
Deportations to Syria will continue under the same criteria, prioritising those found guilty of serious offences. The minister framed the policy as a standard practice rather than an exceptional measure, aligning it with Austria’s broader security strategy.
The government’s stance means convicted refugees could face removal to Afghanistan or Syria in the coming months. Technical talks with the Taliban are set to continue, focusing on practical arrangements. Meanwhile, Karner’s statements confirm that lawful residents will not be targeted by the new enforcement measures.
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