Paths to Progress – Top Official: Deportations Act as Catalyst

The refugee flows have also hit the European political systems with full force. Including all the social problems. But what are the best solutions?

In Denmark For example, there is a cross-party agreement on restrictive measures, and Sweden is also following this model. Too many unwanted developments. Germany and Austria are not yet taking such a clear step. This also has to do with the fact that for the Danes, for example, EU law is only partially binding. Non-EU countries or ex-EU countries such as Great Britain have other options to go it alone, such as ‘handing over’ refugees to third countries such as Rwanda via contracts. In Austria, migration is the dominant issue in the middle of the election campaign.

Deportation to third countries?
Even to Afghanistan or Syria? Currently difficult to impossible. Although the EU has decided that deportations to safe countries are permitted, there is still no list for this. Meanwhile, dramatic cases of criminal asylum seekers are increasing in Germany and Austria. Emotions run high, especially during election campaigns. But there is also something illuminating in this dark part of the migration complex. Examples of best practices are given by Karoline Preißer, Deputy Director of the Federal Office for Immigration and Asylum (BFA).

Maximum value and common thread
Deportations peaked at 12,900 in 2023. For the 10th anniversary of the BFA. The establishment was of great importance, says the lawyer. “Previously, the powers in the district administrations were fragmented. With the establishment of the BFA, there is a power. A common thread from the beginning to the end of the process. That is a huge difference with Germany, where everything is still organized per country and fragmented.”

Unsafe countries are problematic. Example Iraq. For a long time that was not possible, but deportations have been possible for a while. In 2023 there were 195, a year before that 162. Both directly to Iraq and after a Dublin procedure. Now you can negotiate on the spot. There is an agreement with Iraq, deportations by and charter flights, as well as scheduled flights. It is a matter of drilling hard planks. “Eroded states are the big challenge. On the one hand they cause the refugee movements, but on the other hand they make the return difficult. Like Syria or Afghanistan.” But something is happening here too. Nowadays there is intensive discussion about deportations to these countries in Europe. That was not the case 18 months ago. Minister of the Interior Karner has put this on the international agenda. Now there are heated debates in Germany, for example. Together we can make a difference.

Progress from India to Morocco
Other good examples: India. It was difficult for years. Now there is an agreement. And lo and behold, more and more people are leaving Austria independently and without a residence permit. Or Morocco The Maghreb states are particularly important, also because of the high immigration from Africa. The situation has also improved considerably through intensive cooperation. Or Serbia: an important country for deportations. Because the delinquency is high. Especially when it concerns dangerous people, very good and intensive cooperation with the police and intelligence service is important. “Here we can act particularly forcefully,” says director Preißer.

Bulgaria is also a good example: Keyword Air Schengen. In 2022 there were only 34 Dublin transfers, in 2023 there were already 114. Many Syrians and Afghans. By July 2024 of this year 104. Pressure could be built up on Bulgaria by refusing Schengen. “If we send out such signals, asylum applications will also decrease. Reports are coming in. Austria is becoming less attractive. You can see that deportations are taking place in a restrictive and consistent way.”

Forced deportations have an effect and act as a catalyst, says the lawyer. The number of asylum applications in Turkey was very high, but thanks to measures such as accelerated procedures, these could be reduced. This year, in July, there were already 918 deportations, of which 787 were voluntary.” Here too, you can see the effect of the measures: they act as a deterrent and many people then leave of their own accord.

Information from other countries about threats
Cooperation at European level is important. At the information stand. Very important for us as authorities. That you have the same information and can use it. That you can quickly see decisions from other countries. Today we are talking about deportations to Afghanistan and Syria.

There are many charter operations together with other countries. Here too you can save a lot of costs. “Together we have more power/weight.”

There are also dangerous cases where people can be matched and identified and deported via copies of passports sent from other Member States. Also extremely important in the fight against potential threats or terrorists.

BMI confronts police union members
On Tuesday, the SP-affiliated police unionist Herrmann Greylinger went on the attack, according to statements by ÖVP Chancellor Karl Nehammer in the “Krone”. Nehammer referred to successful developments and called for even more deportations. The topic is being abused and the statistics are distorted, because some deportations of individuals to neighboring countries have taken place up to 40 times and are being taken into account, according to the unionist. The Ministry of the Interior/BFA says: There can be multiple deportations from countries such as Serbia. “People from neighboring countries are consistently being deported. This is a clear sign that the BFA is doing consistent work and is contributing to security in Austria.”