Austria is moving to revoke the refugee status of around 2,900 Syrians, igniting fear and uncertainty among the community. This development follows increased anti-migrant sentiment, especially after a violent incident involving a Syrian. Many refugees, including those separated from their families, now face existential challenges, with some accepting financial incentives for voluntary return.
Khaled Alnomman, a Syrian refugee in Austria, has made significant efforts to integrate into society over the past decade by learning German, securing employment, and applying for citizenship. However, his family’s sense of security was shattered upon receiving a letter from Austrian authorities indicating the intent to revoke their refugee status, triggering feelings of despair.
Alnomman expressed his heartbreak regarding the situation, stating, “It’s like a knife stab to the heart.” The fear surrounding migration has intensified in Austria, especially following a tragic incident where a Syrian individual was arrested in connection with the death of a young boy, exacerbating public anxiety.
In response to shifts in public sentiment, Austria has frozen asylum applications from Syrians and is also terminating family reunification processes for numerous refugees. Reports indicate that the Austrian Interior Ministry is working on a program aimed at the orderly repatriation and deportation of approximately 2,900 refugees, emphasizing the untenable situation many Syrians now face.
Interior Minister Gerhard Karner has indicated that he intends to implement “random mass checks” on Syrian and Afghan asylum seekers’ residences. This proposed strategy reflects the ruling coalition’s commitment to migration control amid rising pressure from far-right political factions following their success in recent elections.
Despite official statements suggesting that no immediate action would be taken against those receiving letters to revoke their refugee status, anxiety remains pervasive within the Syrian community. Alnomman articulated this sentiment, revealing, “We can’t sleep at night. All Syrians are afraid now.”
The cessation of family reunifications has disproportionately affected many refugees, such as Ahmed Elgrk, who has been unable to reunite with his wife and children for several years. The sudden notification of potential status revocation has compounded his heartache as he prepared to welcome them to Austria. He lamented, “For four years I have told my family, ‘Just have a little bit more patience, we are almost there.'”
Additionally, the government has been incentivizing voluntary return with financial assistance for refugees choosing to leave Austria. Nearly 100 individuals have accepted this offer as the situation continues to evolve.
The Austrian government’s move to potentially revoke the refugee status of Syrian families has instigated a wave of fear and uncertainty among the refugee community. Compounded by recent events highlighting anti-immigrant sentiments, many Syrians are experiencing heightened anxiety, affecting their ability to integrate. This development raises broader questions about the stability and safety faced by refugees across Europe, pushing many to consider voluntary repatriation despite their fears of returning to a hostile environment in Syria.
Original Source: www.france24.com
