Asylum Procedures in Austria Should Become an Absolute Exception

Interior Minister Gerhard Karner (ÖVP) plans a significant expansion of deportations to countries like Syria and Afghanistan. The clear goal is to make individual cases the norm, explained the minister in an APA interview. In the distant future, Karner hopes that asylum procedures in Austria and the EU will become the "absolute exception." He sees the threat of homelessness for Ukrainians in the first days after their arrival from 2026 as "obviously intended."

Criticism of State Policy on Refugee Accommodation

This concerns the fact that with the closure of the arrival center in Vienna at the end of this year, only a small facility in Linz will be available. The other centers in the federal states were shut down some time ago. However, Karner also sees the states as responsible. It is clearly stipulated that they organize the centers, while the federal government only finances them.

"If they say they no longer operate arrival centers, then that's the way it is," said the Interior Minister. Then the federal government does not have to finance them anymore. If this means that Ukrainians are on the streets in the first days after their arrival if they cannot stay with acquaintances, this is "obviously intended" by the federal states.

Quota Model for Family Reunification in Preparation

Karner did not want to commit yet to what the quota regulation will look like, with which family reunification will be resumed after the stop expires in the second half of the year. Factors such as the education system, social aspects, and security with regard to youth crime will be considered. Karner did not want to estimate how many places will be available. The topic is "in the middle of discussions."

Karner for Procedures Outside the EU

Supported by Karner are the European plans to conduct asylum procedures in centers outside the EU and to bring rejected refugees to countries from which they do not originate. Austria has joined a Dutch initiative to enter into corresponding agreements with Uganda. The Interior Minister did not want to comment on talks with other countries. He did not rule out, for example, transferring Afghans to Africa. However, he believes it would be more effective to accommodate refugees in their region of origin, as a genuine return home would be more likely.

The goal is to push illegal migration to near zero: "We are moving in this direction by destroying the business of smugglers." This will succeed if as many procedures as possible are conducted at the external border or outside Europe: "Procedures in Austria or Europe should be an absolute exception." Karner admitted that there is still a long way to go until then.

No Criticism of Hungary

Karner does not want to criticize Hungary for continuing to refuse to accept refugees according to EU directives. Budapest and the European Commission should settle this directly. His task is to cooperate properly with Hungary on a police level - and this is being done "very successfully" in combating illegal migration.

The Interior Minister is pleased that Austrians are not letting "extremists" spoil Christmas and visits to Christmas markets despite the increased threat level since the Hamas attack. This is an important sign. Karner does not want to speak of more specific security measures during the Christmas season. Because throughout the year there are many larger events for which security must be ensured. The second highest terror level still applies, and the extremist scene has recently "settled at a high level."

"Alliance Against the Police" in the Pilnacek Case

The Interior Minister cannot understand the criticism expressed by the Ombudsman Christoph Luisser, who comes from the FPÖ, in connection with the investigations in the Pilnacek case. He does not understand why there is an attempt to smear police officers: "It is a highly questionable alliance of Herbert Kickl, Peter Pilz, and the Ombudsman against the police." In any case, he is looking forward to the just-started investigation committee in the matter "very calmly": "Because I have confidence in our police."

(APA/Red)

This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.