Syrian dictator flees to Russia: What does that mean for Austria?

Syrian dictator flees to Russia: What does that mean for Austria?

Wien, Österreich - The brutal regime of the Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad has taken a dramatic turn: since this weekend he has fled to Moscow, where, according to Kremlin, he was granted asylum for "humanitarian reasons". This escape triggered immediate reactions in the European Union. Austria's Chancellor Karl Nehammer commissioned Interior Minister Gerhard Karner to suspend all ongoing asylum applications from Syrians and to check the asylum status already granted. This is done against the background that other EU countries consider similar measures. The pressure to deport Syrian asylum seekers quickly grows, especially against those who do not integrate or only receive social assistance, as Karner explained to the ORF. It is emphasized that the security situation in Syria is currently still unclear and that a quick action would not be advisable, according to the new EU migration commissioner Magnus Brunner, who warns that plans for deportations are still premature because the situation in Syria still has to be observed, like the Kurier reported.

asylum procedure exposed

The Austrian government has also exposed all ongoing asylum procedures of Syrians, which concerns the situation for around 100,000 Syrians in Austria. Magnus Brunner underlines that before further practical steps, it must first be awaited in order to better assess the security situation in Syria. At the same time, he expresses the importance of first concentrating on voluntary returnees, especially those who want to return from the diaspora to help with reconstruction. "The voluntary return is possible, necessary and good," says Brunner, who is responsible for EU migration. He emphasizes that the EU must be well prepared for possible new escape movements, the circumstances in Syria should be tightened again, as is also mentioned in the Article. In summary, it can be said that in this fast-moving situation, both the Austrian and the entire EU policy face major challenges, while trying to ensure the rights and safety of the asylum seekers concerned. The political debate about deportations and asylum procedures will probably continue to worsen in the coming weeks.