Austria has announced a temporary suspension of asylum applications from Syrian nationals, citing recent developments in Syria’s leadership. This decision follows the capture of Damascus by Turkey-backed rebels, which forced Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to flee to Russia.
Chancellor Karl Nehammer has tasked Interior Minister Gerhard Karner with reviewing asylum cases previously granted to Syrians. Karner has also been directed to draft a plan for the systematic return of refugees, though the government has yet to release specific details.
Family reunification cases, which allow refugees to bring relatives to Austria, are also affected. Over 12,800 asylum-related applications are currently on hold, with more than 1,100 tied to family reunifications. This suspension is part of a broader effort to address concerns about migration policy.
The People’s Party, led by Nehammer, has adopted stricter immigration measures amid pressure from the Freedom Party, which recently won the largest share of votes in Austria’s elections. Despite their electoral success, the Freedom Party has been left out of coalition negotiations, leading to criticism of President Alexander Van der Bellen’s decision to prioritize other parties.
Austria’s role in providing refuge to displaced Syrians began during the migrant crisis of 2015 and 2016. With 4.3 million Syrians now scattered across Europe, including many in Austria, the government is reassessing its approach to migration as conditions in Syria evolve.
This decision reflects growing tensions across Europe over refugee policies, with Austria taking a lead in reexamining the balance between humanitarian obligations and public sentiment.
