At the end of April, 3,808 voluntary and forced deportations took place in Austria. This corresponds to an increase of 24 percent compared to the same period last year. ÖVP Interior Minister Gerhard Karner presented these figures at a press conference in Vienna on Tuesday.
During the presentation, Karner reiterated that the “asylum system must remain credible”. During the media event, the minister referred to some 51,000 Ukrainians who are currently receiving basic care in Austria. Against the background of the war in Ukraine, the fight against asylum abuse is particularly important. “So that we can help those who really need our help,” says Karner.
Karner: ‘Almost 45 percent criminally convicted’
About half of the 3,808 deportations were voluntary, the other half compulsory. “Nearly 45 percent of this group has a criminal record,” says Karner. According to the ministry, by the end of April 2023, about 14,297 people had evaded the procedure and left Austria on their own.
On the sidelines of the media event, Karner also touched on current developments in Hungary and stressed that “Operation Fox” – i.e. cooperation between Austrian and Hungarian police officers on Hungarian national territory – would continue. “Collaboration is necessary and essential,” says Karner. He stressed that border controls were tightened on Monday evening. We reserve the right to take further measures.
Tensions between Vienna and Budapest
The early release of convicted smugglers in Hungary recently caused diplomatic tensions between Vienna and Budapest. Karner called his colleague Sándor Pintér on Monday.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
