Vienna, (Dawan africa ) – Austria has announced that it has deported two Somali nationals who were previously convicted of crimes committed within Austria. This marks the first time in 20 years that Austria has deported Somali citizens, with the event taking place on Tuesday, September 2, 2025.
The Austrian Ministry of the Interior confirmed that the two individuals were flown back to the Somali capital, Mogadishu, after completing their sentences, which were related to drug-related offenses.
“This action is part of Austria's strict asylum policy and is considered fair and in accordance with the law,” the Ministry of the Interior stated in its report.
No further details were provided regarding the names or photographs of the two individuals deported. The Ministry of the Interior did not release their names or images.
Austria becomes one of the first European countries to carry out the deportation of Somali nationals. Since the initiation of the deportation program, Austria has actively participated in deporting individuals residing in the country who are considered to have committed crimes.
The European Conservative magazine reported that Somali nationals have become the third-largest group of asylum seekers in Austria, with 648 applications submitted during the first few months of this year.
The approval rate for Somali asylum requests currently stands at 44%, reflecting an increase in the number of Somalis seeking asylum in Austria. As of 2025, 463 Somali citizens have been granted asylum in the country, according to the magazine.
Austria has made it clear that it will continue its strict asylum policy, actively pursuing actions to prevent individuals who violate the country’s laws from remaining in the country.
This move is also part of Austria's broader immigration policy, with the country recently deporting a person originally from Syria.
