Concerns Grow as Austria Moves to Revoke Refugee Status for Syrians

Syrian refugees in Austria, including Khaled Alnomman and Ahmed Elgrk, face renewed fears as authorities move to revoke refugee status for many following anti-migrant sentiment. With halted family reunifications and new deportation plans, community anxiety has grown. The government has also offered financial incentives for voluntary return to Syria. Experts believe immediate deportation is unlikely, yet the emotional toll is significant for impacted families.

Khaled Alnomman, a Syrian refugee, has strived to integrate into Austrian society over the past decade by mastering the German language, securing employment as a bricklayer, and pursuing citizenship. His family, which includes four children, has largely adopted Austrian culture. However, their lives changed dramatically after receiving a letter from authorities indicating a potential revocation of their refugee status, a development that Alnomman described as “a knife stab to the heart.”

The rise of anti-migrant sentiment in Austria has been exacerbated by a recent criminal incident involving a Syrian individual, leading to a greater public outcry against refugees. Although another Syrian refugee was praised for intervening during the attack, Alnomman expressed that negative public perceptions are dire for the wider Syrian community in Austria.

In December, several European nations decided to freeze asylum applications for Syrians following the ousting of the Assad regime, impacting millions of displaced individuals. Consequently, Austria announced measures to revoke refugee status for around 2,900 Syrians and halted family reunification processes. Interior Minister Gerhard Karner has indicated plans for a systematic deportation program, despite regulatory limitations.

In response to increasing pressure from the opposition, particularly the far-right Freedom Party, the government seeks to expand restrictions on refugees, including random checks on their residences. Numerous asylum experts suggest the letters indicating the intention to revoke refugee status do not imply immediate removal from Austria, yet they have significantly alarmed the Syrian community.

Alnomman articulated the prevailing fear among Syrians, stating, “We cannot sleep at night. All Syrians are afraid now.” This sentiment reflects a broader anxiety felt within the refugee community in light of recent developments. Furthermore, Ahmed Elgrk, a Syrian delivery worker in Austria, shared his distress over his inability to reunite with his family after years of separation, having prepared to welcome them.

The Austrian government has also initiated a voluntary return program, offering 1,000 euros to Syrians choosing to return to their homeland, which reportedly has seen participation from nearly 100 individuals. This reflects ongoing challenges faced by refugees and their uncertain futures in Austria amidst rising hostility.

The situation for Syrian refugees in Austria has become increasingly precarious due to heightened anti-migrant sentiments and recent government actions aimed at revoking the asylum status of many individuals. The stories of Khaled Alnomman and Ahmed Elgrk highlight the profound emotional and practical implications of these decisions. As Austria grapples with these issues, the fear and uncertainty among the Syrian community continue to grow, emphasizing the need for compassionate approaches to refugee integration and support.

Original Source: www.france24.com