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.
At least 20 people were killed and more than 50 injured after a suicide bomber attacked a church in central Damascus, Syria’s capital, on Sunday, officials confirmed.
Switzerland has announced the lifting of a wide array of economic sanctions on Syria, including measures targeting the country’s central bank. The move follows a series of international steps aimed at supporting Syria’s recovery after the fall of former president Bashar al-Assad in December 2024.
More than 2 million Syrian refugees and internally displaced persons have returned to their homes since December, according to the UN refugee agency, which emphasized the urgent need for a political resolution to prevent renewed instability.
Iraq has officially reopened the Qaim border crossing with Syria, allowing trade and passenger traffic to resume in a key step toward restoring economic and diplomatic ties between the two countries.
Forced displacement worldwide has hit a record 122.1 million, driven by conflicts in Sudan, Ukraine, and beyond, as humanitarian needs soar.
Masked law enforcement officers have detained Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan, leader of the 'Sacred Struggle' movement in Armenia. He is accused of preparing terrorist attacks and an alleged attempt to seize power, according to the Investigative Committee.
The United States is not planning to impose additional sanctions on Russia for now, aiming instead to keep diplomatic channels open to pursue a peace deal, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Iran is now "much further away from a nuclear weapon" following recent U.S. airstrikes on Tehran’s nuclear sites, contradicting reports that the damage only caused minor delays.
Kazakhstan’s Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov has announced a major reform initiative aimed at strengthening national sovereignty in the country’s space sector.
An historic mission began early on Wednesday (25 June) as astronauts from India, Poland, and Hungary were launched to the International Space Station (ISS) for their countries’ first-ever visit. They were joined by NASA veteran Peggy Whitson.
Iran launched 18 ballistic missiles late Sunday targeting the U.S. military’s Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar, the largest American installation in the Middle East.
Iranian missiles struck multiple locations across Israel and neighbouring regions early Friday morning, including a Microsoft office complex, according to emergency responders and local media reports.
A high-speed tram derailment in central Gothenburg, Sweden, has left at least eight people injured late on Thursday (19 June), after the vehicle slammed into a snack bar on Avenyn Avenue.
Wizz Air has suspended all flights to and from Tel Aviv, Israel, and its European services to Amman, Jordan, effective immediately until 15 September due to escalating situation in the Middle East. Also, the air carrier temporarily suspended its flights between Astana, Kazakhstan, and Abu Dhabi.
China has unveiled a mosquito-sized bionic drone designed for covert military operations and battlefield reconnaissance, marking a major advance in micro-robotics and stealth technology as part of the country’s growing focus on next-generation warfare capabilities.
The United States is not planning to impose additional sanctions on Russia for now, aiming instead to keep diplomatic channels open to pursue a peace deal, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Iran is now "much further away from a nuclear weapon" following recent U.S. airstrikes on Tehran’s nuclear sites, contradicting reports that the damage only caused minor delays.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for 25th June, covering the latest developments you need to know.
A landslide in northwest Colombia has left multiple people dead and injured, with rescue efforts still underway.
U.S. and Iranian officials have engaged in dialogue amid recent regional tensions, with Washington expressing cautious optimism about the outcome.
Masked law enforcement officers have detained Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan, leader of the 'Sacred Struggle' movement in Armenia. He is accused of preparing terrorist attacks and an alleged attempt to seize power, according to the Investigative Committee.
The United States is not planning to impose additional sanctions on Russia for now, aiming instead to keep diplomatic channels open to pursue a peace deal, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Iran is now "much further away from a nuclear weapon" following recent U.S. airstrikes on Tehran’s nuclear sites, contradicting reports that the damage only caused minor delays.
Kazakhstan’s Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov has announced a major reform initiative aimed at strengthening national sovereignty in the country’s space sector.
An historic mission began early on Wednesday (25 June) as astronauts from India, Poland, and Hungary were launched to the International Space Station (ISS) for their countries’ first-ever visit. They were joined by NASA veteran Peggy Whitson.
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