Austria has announced plans to start deporting Afghan nationals with criminal records back to Afghanistan. This decision follows Germany’s recent move to do the same. The Austrian Federal Office for Immigration and Asylum has determined that deportations are acceptable on a case-by-case basis due to a “changed security situation” in Afghanistan.
Collaboration with Germany on Deportations
Germany recently deported 28 convicted Afghan criminals, marking the first such deportations since the Taliban took control in 2021. Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer has confirmed that Austria will closely cooperate with Germany on these deportations.
“Discussions between the Austrian and German Interior Ministers have been ongoing to find solutions for deportations to Afghanistan,” said Nehammer. “Our next goal is to facilitate direct deportations to Afghanistan or Syria.”
Reassessing the EU-Wide Ban
Austrian Interior Minister Gerhard Karner supports Germany’s decision and views it as a positive step. He emphasized the need to reassess the EU-wide ban on deportations to Afghanistan and Syria, calling it “necessary and urgent.”
Afghans and Syrians make up about 75% of all asylum applications in Austria. Recently, the Austrian Constitutional Court confirmed that deportations to Afghanistan could be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Implementation and Discussions
The Austrian government is actively working to implement these deportations and is in discussions with other European countries. Karner highlighted the importance of resuming deportations to both Afghanistan and Syria.
This decision has sparked controversy due to the Taliban’s control over Afghanistan. Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, have criticized the move as a violation of international law, citing concerns over human rights abuses by the Taliban.
Concerns Over Human Rights
Since the Taliban’s takeover in August 2021, there have been numerous reports of oppression against women, minorities, and former government officials. Austria has not deported anyone directly to Afghanistan since 2021, choosing instead to send Afghan nationals to third countries.
Calls for Caution
While many officials support joint deportations with Germany, some urge caution. Justice Minister Alma Zadić emphasized the need for careful examination of each case, stating, “Our strong laws must be applied, and all constitutional options must be explored in deportation cases.”
Ongoing Immigration Challenges
In 2023, nearly 9,000 Afghan nationals applied for asylum in Austria, highlighting the ongoing challenges in managing immigration and asylum requests.
