Austria deportation and criminal justice reforms

Austria is intensifying efforts to deport foreign nationals without legal residency, particularly those with criminal convictions. Following the Taliban takeover in 2021, direct deportations to Afghanistan were initially stalled, but technical and operational contacts between Vienna and Kabul have since been re-established to facilitate returns.

In the first half of 2026, approximately 170 Afghan citizens were deported. Interior Minister Gerhard Karner noted that these measures prioritize individuals convicted of crimes and do not target those with legal residency who have integrated into society.

To further streamline these processes, the Austrian National Council passed a legislative amendment to ease the deportation of foreign criminals from prison. Effective November 1, the law allows for the deportation of foreign offenders after they have served a minimum sentence, even against their will, to address prison overcrowding and staffing shortages. However, the reform excludes individuals convicted of serious violent crimes, sexual offenses, or terrorist activities from early deportation.