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Austria transfers first group of asylum seekers to Slovakia

Xinhua, September 18, 2015 Adjust font size:

Austria has sent a first group of asylum seekers to be accommodated in Slovakia under a deal aimed at easing overcrowding in Austria's main refugee centre, Austria Press Agency reported Thursday.

The two countries had reached a bilateral agreement in June, wherein 500 asylum seekers were to be transported to a former student dormitory in the Slovakian town of Gabcikovo.

The group of 18 asylum seekers originating from Syria were transported from living quarters at an army barracks in Salzburg on Thursday morning.

The transportation of another group of 42 Syria asylum seekers had also been planned, though the Interior Ministry said upon realizing they were to be transported to Slovakia they became confused about what was going on and refused to make the trip.

The ministry said nobody would be forced to move to the Gabcikovo quarters, and that more groups who volunteer to move may be transported throughout the day.

Slovakian authorities had Thursday confirmed they are ready to proceed with the arrangement from their side, including the cooking of meals for the asylum seekers.

Under the arrangement Austria is still to process the asylum applications of the individuals who move to Slovakia, and should asylum be granted, will have the right to live in Austria. Endit