BERLIN: Both nations halt asylum processes, with Austria considering deportations and Germany citing uncertainty in Syria’s situation.
Germany and Austria have paused asylum applications for Syrians following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime. Austria’s Interior Ministry announced an immediate freeze on asylum procedures and began preparing for possible deportations. “We are organizing an orderly repatriation program to Syria,” said Interior Minister Gerhard Karner. Meanwhile, Germany also halted asylum requests, citing the unclear situation in Syria. In a related proposal, conservative lawmakers in Germany suggested offering financial incentives to Syrians who voluntarily return.
