Austria tightens asylum policy: 40 deportations a day are not enough
Austrian Interior Minister Gerhard Karner (ÖVP) presented a strict assessment of the country's asylum policy for 2025, emphasizing that current deportation rates and the decline in asylum applications are not sufficient.
According to official figures, 16,284 asylum applications were submitted last year, a decrease of 36% compared to 2024. The number of first applications or new applicants also dropped to 6,849, a decrease of 33%. Karner attributed these declines mainly to the suspension of family reunification, which fell sharply from 3,400 to only 25 in the fourth quarter.
Deportations remain the main focus. Last year, 14,156 people were deported, averaging nearly 40 deportations per day. About half of these deportations were carried out forcibly, and around 3,300 individuals were convicted of crimes. Karner stated, "Even with the highest number of deportations so far, we are not satisfied yet," emphasizing Austria's strict and fair approach to asylum policy.
Karner praised Austria's leading role in Europe in deporting asylum seekers directly to Afghanistan and Syria, sending a strong message about Austria's commitment to controlling illegal immigration. In a recent meeting of EU interior ministers, Austria's approach was recognized as a model for other European countries. The minister announced plans to establish deportation centers outside the European Union, with the participation of Austria and Germany, although the locations of these centers have not yet been announced.
Looking to the future, Karner emphasized that the goal remains to reduce illegal immigration to zero. He said, "The asylum system can only work if it is strict, strong, and fair. This means zero tolerance for violations, deporting criminals, and protecting against overloading the system, so that pressure is relieved from the population and support is provided to those who truly need it."