Austria has begun procedures that will allow some Syrians to return to their country, two weeks after the fall of the Assad regime, Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf reported.
Syrians who have lived in the Alpine republic for less than five years have received a phone call from the authorities asking them to explain why they believe they deserve protection despite the changing circumstances in Syria.
Around 40,000 people are expected to lose their right to residency under the new asylum procedure.
Given developments in their home country, they “no longer have to fear political persecution,” according to Austrian authorities. If they want to stay, they must also prove that they can support themselves and are well integrated.
The reaction from Syrians is one of shock, Austrian media reported.
The weekly magazine “Profil” reports that the Austrian Asylum and Migration Office itself said last week that it was difficult to predict how the situation would develop under the new rulers.
Reporting by Hassan Kadour
Zaman Al Wasl
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