Austria is scheduled to sign an agreement with Uzbekistan next month to facilitate deportations, according to the interior ministry. This development occurs as European Union nations explore potential partner countries outside the bloc to establish “return hubs” for failed asylum seekers and to manage migration flows. Denmark, Austria, Greece, Germany, and the Netherlands indicated in March that they were advancing coordination plans in this area.
Government sources stated that Austria’s interior and foreign ministers will travel to Uzbekistan on May 7th for the signing ceremony. A ministry spokesperson noted that the agreement is considered important for the transit of individuals facing deportation to their home countries, specifically mentioning Afghanistan. Since 2021, Austria has conducted several deportations of Afghans, marking a first for the nation since the Taliban regained control.
The country has also deported Syrians to Syria. The context of these plans has drawn international scrutiny. Richard Bennett, the UN special rapporteur on human rights in Afghanistan, expressed deep concern regarding potential EU talks with Taliban officials concerning Afghan deportations.
He warned that returns to Afghanistan risk violating the principle of non-refoulement, which prohibits returning individuals to areas where they face persecution or harm. Despite these concerns from rights groups and the UN refugee agency, the EU continues to develop plans to deport those deemed without the right to remain in the bloc, including potential routes through nations like Uzbekistan.
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The Austrian interior ministry has announced plans to sign an agreement with Uzbekistan next month designed to facilitate deportations. This move comes as European Union member states are investigatin
What specific criteria will determine which asylum seekers will be subject to deportation under the agreement?