VIENNA, March 22 (Xinhua) -- Austrian Minister of the Interior Wolfgang Sobotka Wednesday unveiled a new monetary incentive scheme to encourage asylum seekers to return to countries of origin voluntarily, local media reported.
Sobotka said 1,000 euros (1,081 U.S. dollars) would be given to each of the first 1,000 asylum seekers who voluntarily depart the country. The plan is part of continued efforts by the ministry to encourage the process of voluntary departures.
The scheme is set to target people from countries of origin further afield, such as Afghanistan, Iraq, and African nations. It was additionally noted that each case will be reviewed individually.
The provision of information for individuals considering departing the country is also to be improved.
Sobotka said he would like for 50,000 asylum seekers who have either no real chance at receiving asylum or who have already had their application denied, to leave the country by 2019.
