Austria will deport more than 6,500 people in 2025 — and the minister pledges a "strict but fair" approach
Austria deported 6,554 people in the first half of 2025, according to Interior Minister Gerhard Karner (ÖVP). Nearly half of them — 3,366 people or 51% — left voluntarily after being asked to do so, while 3,188 people (49%) were deported forcibly. Karner described the process as "strict and firm but fair," noting that about 35 people are asked to leave the country every day. He also clarified that about half of those deported have criminal records.
Karner said that the number of deportations remains stable compared to last year, describing the figures as a "good and respectable achievement." He emphasized that combating human traffickers is a key priority to reduce irregular migration.
Regarding the controversial issue of returning people to Syria, Karner confirmed that around 500 people have already left voluntarily, peaking in July. Although voluntary return remains the preferred option, he still supports the forced deportation of rejected asylum seekers. This stance comes despite criticism and the recent decision by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) to temporarily halt a planned deportation to Syria.
On his part, Gernot Meyer, director of the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BFA), agreed that Syria "is not a safe country of origin," but emphasized that deportation is still possible on a case-by-case basis. He pointed out that the previous main reason for granting asylum — forced military conscription in Assad's army — is no longer valid after the overthrow of the ruler in December. He added that forced conscription is currently no longer present in Syria, and that conditions vary significantly from one region to another.
The authorities also highlighted the decrease in human trafficking cases. In 2024, Austrian police arrested 225 traffickers, while only 44 have been apprehended so far in 2025. Gerald Tatzger, head of the Central Office for Combating Human Trafficking, attributed this decline to enhanced international cooperation, which has led traffickers to completely avoid Austrian territory.