Austria to Sign Deportation Transit Agreement with Uzbekistan on May 7

Austria is set to formalize a bilateral agreement with Uzbekistan to establish a new transit corridor for the deportation of Afghan nationals back to Afghanistan. Austrian officials plan to sign the accord during a ministerial visit to Tashkent on May 7.

The arrangement marks a logistical shift in Austria’s repatriation procedures, replacing previous transit routes that typically routed deportees through Istanbul, Turkey. According to the Austrian Interior Ministry, the agreement is designed to streamline return operations. Ministry spokesperson Markus Haindl emphasized that the deal is particularly significant for facilitating the transit of individuals being deported to Afghanistan.

The policy aligns with a broader European effort to tighten asylum regulations and externalize migration management. By routing returns through Central Asia, Austrian authorities aim to expedite repatriation processes amid increasing pressure to manage irregular migration flows.

Humanitarian organizations, including the International Rescue Committee, have raised concerns regarding the agreement. Advocacy groups warn that forced returns could expose vulnerable populations to security and humanitarian risks, particularly given the ongoing challenges within Afghanistan. Critics also highlight a rising global trend of deportations targeting Afghan asylum seekers, urging European governments to prioritize legal safeguards and protection standards.

The upcoming signing in Tashkent will involve both the Austrian foreign and interior ministers. Details regarding the operational implementation of the transit route and the expected volume of returns have not yet been publicly disclosed.