UNHCR and government reports on refugee returns in Europe

Austria Encourages Syrian Refugees to Return Home with €1,000 Bonus After Assad's Fall

Dec 13, 2024, 01:16 PM

Austria has announced a new initiative aimed at encouraging Syrian refugees to return to their homeland following the fall of the Assad regime. The Austrian government, led by Chancellor Karl Nehammer, is offering a 'return bonus' of €1,000 to Syrians who voluntarily choose to go back to Syria. This move comes as part of a broader policy shift towards voluntary deportations, with the suspension of asylum applications for Syrians. Nehammer emphasized the need for Syrian citizens to contribute to the rebuilding of their country, stating that 'Syria now needs its citizens to be rebuilt.' This initiative reflects a change in Austria's approach to immigration, influenced by the political landscape where the far-right Freedom Party has gained significant traction. Over 95,000 Syrians currently reside in Austria, and the suspension of asylum applications is part of the government's response to the fall of the Assad regime.