Austria has announced plans to begin deporting Afghan citizens with criminal records directly back to Afghanistan, following Germany’s recent decision to repatriate 28 convicted criminals to the country. This move marks a shift in EU policy, as up until now, European countries were prohibited from sending refugees back to Afghanistan due to safety concerns stemming from the Taliban’s return to power in 2021.
Austria’s Federal Office for Immigration and Asylum has stated that the security situation in Afghanistan has changed, allowing for deportations on a case-by-case basis. This assessment was supported by a ruling from Austria’s Constitutional Court in July, confirming that the decision was made after careful consideration by immigration authorities. Austria is now working closely with the Federal Office for Foreign Affairs and other European countries to implement these deportations.
Austria’s Interior Minister, Gerhard Karner, has expressed strong support for Germany’s recent actions, calling the decision to resume deportations “very good.” He emphasized that Austria has long advocated for the ability to deport individuals back to Afghanistan and Syria. Minister Karner also highlighted the importance of collaboration with regional partners to ensure the safe return of individuals to their home countries. “It’s crucial that we work closely with our partners in the region so that we can also bring people back to Kabul or Afghanistan directly,” he said.
This development comes as immigration remains a central issue in Austrian politics, with national elections scheduled for September. Chancellor Karl Nehammer’s centre-right party, the ÖVP, faces growing pressure from the far-right FPÖ, known for their strict stance on immigration. Recent polls show the FPÖ leading with around 30 percent of voter support, positioning them as strong contenders in the upcoming election.