Austria Offers €1,000 to Syrians Wishing to Return Home

Austria Offers €1,000 to Syrians Wishing to Return Home

Syrians celebrating the downfall of the Assad regime in Vienna on December 8. Image: APA/Max Slovencik

 

Austria’s government has introduced new measures to support Syrians ready to return to their home country, offering financial and logistical assistance.

The scheme, run through the Federal Agency for Care and Support (BBU), offers up to €1,000 to help with a “fresh start,” along with help arranging travel and securing essential documents.

The announcement follows the fall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad last weekend. The Assad regime, initially led by Hafez al-Assad and later by his son Bashar, governed Syria for more than 50 years. Since the outbreak of civil war in 2011, over 14 million Syrians have been displaced, seeking safety elsewhere.

Earlier this week, Austria, along with several other European countries, announced it was suspending asylum applications from Syrian nationals.

The BBU says it has seen a rise in inquiries from Syrians. However, most have been exploratory, with people asking about the possibility of returning rather than making immediate plans. Many appear to be waiting to see how the situation in Syria develops before taking any action.

Speaking in parliament on Wednesday, Austria’s Interior Minister, Gerhard Karner, said the government was committed to supporting those who want to return but emphasised there would be no mass expulsions.

Instead, Karner outlined plans for what he called an “orderly repatriation and deportation programme.” This includes organising flights and, at a later stage, prioritising the return of individuals who have committed crimes or are unwilling to integrate into Austrian society or the job market.

Don’t have an account yet? 

Latest News

Reach out for a handcrafted promotion of your business or product.