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Austria's return aid for Syrians: billions or misery?
Austria supports Syrian citizens with up to 1,000 euros for their voluntary return. Critics warn of insensitive practice.
Austria's return aid for Syrians: billions or misery?
The Austrian Interior Ministry has launched a new program offering Syrian nationals up to 1,000 euros to finance their voluntary return home. This initiative is being implemented by the Federal Care Agency (BBU) and is intended to give those wishing to return a “new start”. Since the fall of the Assad regime, authorities have seen an increase in inquiries from Syrian nationals seeking information about their options for returning home 5min.at reported.
However, the announcement sparked strong reactions. Vienna's Archbishop Christoph Schönborn sharply criticized the federal government for its alleged insensitivity in dealing with refugees. In a comment on Platform X, he expressed his dissatisfaction with the formulation of a “deportation program” instead of giving people hope. He calls for an individual review of the asylum procedures in order to avoid fears. “Instead of words of compassion and hope for the suffering people, one of the first reports was ‘deportation program’!” so Schönborn, like kosmo.at reported.
Criticism and support
FPÖ leader Herbert Kickl also makes allegations against the government. He describes the “homeward journey bonus” as a slap in the face for the local population, which is suffering from high inflation. “It is not acceptable to now give 1,000 euros to Syrians who have had protection at taxpayers’ expense for years,” said Kickl critically. Interior Minister Gerhard Karner, however, emphasized that support for Syrians willing to return should be improved with regard to flights and obtaining documents. However, implementation depends heavily on the security situation in Syria and also includes measures against people who have committed criminal offenses or do not want to integrate.
Amid these controversies, organizations such as Caritas and Diakonie have strongly criticized the government's actions, deeming them "misleading and insensitive." The ongoing uncertainty about the situation in Syria means that the majority of Syrian requesters continue to take a wait-and-see approach and closely monitor developments before making a decision on their return.