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.
Tensions in northern Syria have intensified as PKK/YPG militants ramp up attacks, targeting civilians and Turkish-backed forces, while Türkiye responds with decisive military operations in both Syria and Iraq, aiming to neutralize the threat and stabilize the region.
A Christmas market has opened in Damascus, marking a moment of hope and unity just days after the ouster of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s regime, as residents gather to celebrate amidst ongoing uncertainty.
The Kremlin on Monday rejected Turkish media reports which suggested that Asma al-Assad, the British-born wife of former Syrian president Bashar al-Assad, wanted a divorce and to leave Russia.
Former members of Syria’s army and security forces, once loyal to deposed President Bashar al-Assad, gathered in Damascus to surrender their weapons and begin reconciliation procedures
Syria's new rulers have appointed a foreign minister as they seek to build international relations two weeks after Bashar al-Assad was ousted.
In the serene landscapes of southwest China’s Sichuan Province, a groundbreaking project is redefining renewable energy.
Farid Huseynov, Head of the AZAL Press Department, has confirmed that a total of 67 people were on board the plane involved in the recent incident, including 62 passengers and 5 crew members.
World leaders have expressed condolences following the tragic crash of an AZAL flight near Aktau, Kazakhstan, offering support and solidarity to the victims' families.
NASA's Parker Solar Probe is making history again. On December 24, the spacecraft will plunge into the sun's outer atmosphere, known as the corona, pushing scientific boundaries further than ever before.
AZAL has released the crew list for flight J2-8243, which crashed in Aktau today.
Negotiations at COP29 in Baku face a critical impasse as sharp divisions over climate finance and fossil fuel commitments threaten progress.
"Come up with the video in its full form," demands the COP29 CEO, Elnur Soltanov, in an exclusive interview with AnewZ. The chief executive has broken his silence on the claims he was using his position to organise potential fossil fuel deals.
In the serene landscapes of southwest China’s Sichuan Province, a groundbreaking project is redefining renewable energy.
NASA's Parker Solar Probe is making history again. On December 24, the spacecraft will plunge into the sun's outer atmosphere, known as the corona, pushing scientific boundaries further than ever before.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) announced on Wednesday that it has reached a staff-level agreement with Egypt for the fourth review under its Extended Fund Facility.
Brazilians forced to cross river by boat after deadly bridge collapse
China and Japan to discuss seafood trade amid ongoing export ban
In the serene landscapes of southwest China’s Sichuan Province, a groundbreaking project is redefining renewable energy.
Farid Huseynov, Head of the AZAL Press Department, has confirmed that a total of 67 people were on board the plane involved in the recent incident, including 62 passengers and 5 crew members.
World leaders have expressed condolences following the tragic crash of an AZAL flight near Aktau, Kazakhstan, offering support and solidarity to the victims' families.
NASA's Parker Solar Probe is making history again. On December 24, the spacecraft will plunge into the sun's outer atmosphere, known as the corona, pushing scientific boundaries further than ever before.
AZAL has released the crew list for flight J2-8243, which crashed in Aktau today.
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