Following the recent overthrow of the Assad regime by Syrian rebels, both Germany and Austria have taken significant steps regarding asylum applications for Syrians.
Austria has announced an immediate halt to ongoing asylum procedures for Syrians residing in the country. The interior ministry in Vienna has also revealed plans to explore the possibility of deporting individuals back to Syria. Interior Minister Gerhard Karner stated, 'I have instructed the ministry to prepare an orderly repatriation and deportation program to Syria.' Additionally, family reunions have been put on hold. Approximately 95,000 Syrians currently live in Austria, with nearly 13,000 asylum requests submitted this year.
Meanwhile, Germany has decided to suspend asylum procedures for Syrians temporarily. Interior Minister Nancy Faeser cited the uncertain situation in Syria as the reason for this decision, stating, 'It is not yet possible to predict specific return options, and it would be dubious to speculate in such a volatile situation.' In 2015, Germany welcomed over a million Syrian refugees, but discussions on the potential return of Syrian refugees have commenced within the country.
Conservative lawmaker Jens Spahn has proposed a financial incentive for Syrians willing to return to their homeland. He suggested offering a starting sum of €1,000 ($1,060) and chartering planes for those opting to go back to Syria. The proposal aims to encourage voluntary returns amidst the evolving circumstances in the region.
