Austria deports 170 Afghans as direct repatriation efforts continue

Austria has deported approximately 170 Afghan citizens during the first half of 2026. The Austrian Ministry of the Interior stated that these measures target individuals without legal residency rights, with a specific priority placed on those convicted of criminal offenses.

Following the Taliban takeover in August 2021, direct deportations to Afghanistan were stalled due to a lack of communication channels. However, technical and operational contacts have been re-established over the last two years through discussions in Vienna and Kabul. These talks aimed to identify convicted citizens to facilitate their return.

Since the first direct deportation in late 2025, eight Afghan nationals convicted of crimes have been returned via Istanbul. In 2025, more than 200 individuals were processed through deportations or transfers to other European Union member states. Interior Minister Gerhard Karner confirmed that preparations for further deportations to Afghanistan are ongoing, emphasizing that the measures do not target individuals with legal residency who have successfully integrated into Austrian society.