Austria Deports First Afghan Since Taliban’s 2021 Takeover

Austria has deported an Afghan man, marking the first such removal since the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan in August 2021. The individual, a 31-year-old who had served four years in prison for a sexual offense and causing grievous bodily harm, was taken from Vienna to Kabul via Istanbul on Tuesday, according to Austria’s interior ministry. This action aligns with Austria’s ongoing efforts to deport individuals from Afghanistan and Syria.

Background on Deportations

Austria is part of a group of 20 European Union member states advocating for both voluntary and forced returns of Afghans who lack legal residency. This particular deportation follows a series of similar actions, as Austria also became the first EU nation in recent years to send back a Syrian individual in July. Since then, two more Syrians have been deported to their home country, where the government has been under the long-term leadership of Bashar al-Assad.

The Austrian government’s decision to proceed with this deportation has drawn criticism, particularly from human rights organizations and political opposition. The government’s conservative leadership engaged with representatives of the Taliban in September 2023, a move that has faced backlash from groups advocating for the rights of migrants and asylum seekers.

Concerns Over Human Rights

Lawyers for the deported Afghan man sought to prevent his removal, arguing that he suffers from “severe psychological impairment.” Despite their efforts, the court did not grant a stay on the deportation order. Rights group Asylkoordination Austria expressed concerns over the potential risks faced by deported individuals. Spokesman Lukas Gahleitner-Gertz emphasized the lack of follow-up on the fates of those sent back, stating that they could be at risk of “torture or inhumane treatment” upon return to Afghanistan.

The European Union has recently initiated exploratory contacts with the Taliban government, responding to increasing pressure from member states to ramp up deportations of failed asylum seekers. Notably, Germany has already deported over 100 Afghans since the Taliban takeover, highlighting a broader trend among EU countries to enforce stricter immigration policies.

As the situation develops, Austria’s stance on deportations reflects a complex interplay of domestic policy and international relations, particularly concerning the treatment of migrants and the evolving situation in Afghanistan. The implications of these actions remain significant as Europe grapples with the challenges posed by migration and asylum in the wake of geopolitical shifts.