500 deportations to Iraq – with Syria and Afghanistan on the way
Austria has deported more than 500 Iraqis since 2023, according to figures released by the Ministry of the Interior. The deportation operations included both forced and voluntary cases, with officials confirming that voluntary return is the preferred option due to its lower costs compared to forced deportation.
The wave of deportations comes after an agreement was reached in 2023 between Austria and Iraq, establishing a legal framework for individual deportations as well as for collective deportation flights at the EU level. Since then, 254 Iraqis have been forcibly returned, while 257 have left voluntarily, often with financial support covering travel costs.
Interior Minister Gerhard Karner described this policy as successful, noting that the number of Iraqis receiving basic state assistance has sharply decreased. More than two years ago, the number was around 250 people, while only 25 remain today.
Karner confirmed that Austria played a leading role in carrying out the first deportations to Iraq in cooperation with countries like Germany. He added that Austria will continue this approach, expanding deportations to include convicted criminals from Syria and Afghanistan.
The minister's statements reflect the broader stance of the government within the 'zero tolerance' policy also adopted by ruling parties like the ÖVP. As the scope of deportations expands beyond Iraq, Austria's immigration policy seems to be heading towards further tightening in the coming months.