Austria is reviewing the status of Syrian refugees who arrived in the past five years, following reports that some may lose their protection status due to changes in Syria’s security situation.
Austria is reassessing the status of Syrian refugees who arrived within the past five years, Chancellor Karl Nehammer announced on Thursday. This follows media reports that some refugees had been informed via letters that they "no longer need to fear political persecution."
Nehammer, a conservative currently attempting to form a coalition government amid criticism from the far-right, referred to the fall of Bashar al-Assad on 8 December, asserting that Syria’s security situation should be re-evaluated to permit deportations.
His caretaker government has since clarified that the initial emphasis will be on voluntary returns, offering 1,000 euros (£818) to those willing to go back. Austria is also among several European countries that have suspended the processing of asylum claims from Syrians.
"Austria is now reviewing the eligibility for protection of Syrians who have been in the country for less than five years," Nehammer posted on X.
Under Austrian law, refugee status may be revoked within five years of being granted in certain circumstances. Syrians make up the largest group of asylum seekers in the country.
Nehammer’s People's Party (ÖVP) has adopted a tough stance on immigration, leading the far-right Freedom Party (FPÖ) to accuse it of appropriating its policies.
A new trilateral energy partnership involving Uzbekneftegaz, Azerbaijan’s state oil company SOCAR and BP has been announced during Uzbekistan...
U.S. President Donald Trump said he does not think he will need China's help to end the war with Iran as he le...
The Spanish government has issued a defiant message to Silicon Valley, confirming it...
Türkiye has completed formal preparations to begin direct commercial activity w...
After Labour's devastating performance in the 8 May local elections, the party's internal architecture has...
Trade between the United Arab Emirates and Syria more than doubled in 2025, a UAE minister said on Tuesday during an investment forum in Damascus that reflected rapidly improving ties between the two countries.
A key border crossing between southeastern Türkiye and northern Syria reopened to limited civilian traffic on Tuesday after remaining closed since 2014 amid the Syrian conflict.
After years of limited engagement, relations between Syria and the European Union are drawing renewed diplomatic attention as both sides explore cooperation on migration, security and regional stability..
Australian police have charged two women linked to the Islamic State group with slavery offences after they returned from Syria, where they had been detained in a refugee camp for more than seven years.
Kuwait arrested four members of an IRGC-linked group as they tried to enter the country by sea, the Gulf state's KUNA news agency reported on Tuesday. Meanwhile, a senior IRGC officer said Iran had expanded its definition of the Strait of Hormuz to include a far wider area.
Biological samples from an Italian man were transferred to a specialist hospital for testing on Tuesday, after he was suspected of contracting hantavirus. Meanwhile, World Health Organization boss Tedros Ghebreyesus said there were “no sign” of a larger outbreak linked to the MV Hondius cruise.
Exclusive flight-tracking material obtained by AnewZ has raised new questions about French military aircraft movements linked to President Emmanuel Macron’s recent diplomacy with Armenia and the wider scope of France’s defence cooperation with Yerevan.
Just one week after a similar move by Australia, Greece announced that it will ban access to social media for children under the age of 15 from January 1, 2027, as governments around the world weigh tougher rules amid growing concerns over mental health, safety and screen addiction.
U.S. President Donald Trump said he does not think he will need China's help to end the war with Iran as he left for a high-stakes summit in Beijing on Tuesday, as hopes for a lasting peace deal dwindled and Tehran tightened its grip over the Strait of Hormuz.
Deep in the ancient forests of southern China, researchers have discovered a small, shy snake with an extraordinary survival trick: when threatened, it creates the illusion that it has two heads.
After Labour's devastating performance in the 8 May local elections, the party's internal architecture has cracked open with remarkable speed.
When Donald Trump boarded Air Force One for Beijing on Tuesday, he brought two cabinet members whose presence in China would have seemed unlikely a year ago, highlighting an unusual moment in U.S.–China relations.
Britain will introduce new legislation aimed at strengthening ties with the European Union as Prime Minister Keir Starmer seeks to rebuild economic relations with the bloc while facing growing political pressure at home.
U.S. President Donald Trump’s three-day summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing, beginning on Wednesday (13 May), comes as rivalry between the two superpowers reaches new heights, a China analyst has said.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment