The Austrian government has announced the expulsion of a Syrian criminal, marking a first in the EU in 15 years, part of a strict asylum policy.

Austria has decided to deport a Syrian criminal back to his home country, a rare move in the European Union in recent years. Interior Minister Gerhard Karner said the measure was part of a strict and fair asylum policy. The Austrian authorities are offering €1,000 to Syrians who choose voluntary repatriation, and so far 350 people have accepted the option since 2024.