A Syrian man whose refugee status was withdrawn because of a criminal record is about to be deported by Austria. This is believed to be Europe’s first forced repatriation to Syria since President Bashar Al Assad’s overthrow. Rights organisations fear that, as anti-migration sentiment grows throughout the 27-nation bloc, Austria’s proposal would serve as a model for other EU members to follow.
Due to his criminal history, the 32-year-old male, who was given asylum in Austria in 2014, lost his refugee status in February 2019, according to Ruxandra Staicu, his legal counsel. She wouldn’t say what kind of conviction he had.
During the civil conflict in Syria, deportation was not feasible since it was deemed dangerous. Rights organisations think it is too soon to deprive some refugees of their status, but the Austrian government says the fall of Al Assad indicates things have changed and has started the process.
Ms. Staicu and a Western ambassador claimed that although Austrian and Syrian officials had agreed to deport the individual last week, the process was delayed by the shutdown of airspace because of the Iran-Israel war.
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