Photo: Austrian flag
The new Austrian government has officially announced the suspension of family reunification for refugees. This decision, which will be the first of its kind in the European Union, aims to “protect” the country from further growth in the number of migrants. This was reported by Brussels Signal.
The relevant decree will be published in the near future, and the innovation will come into force in May. This was announced by Integration Minister Claudia Plakolm during a government meeting in Vienna. “We have reached the limit of our capabilities,” she said, explaining that such a measure is necessary to protect national healthcare, education and employment systems.
According to the government, the likelihood of successful integration of migrants decreases with each new wave of arrivals. One of the main challenges is difficulties in learning German, finding a job and school places for refugee children.
Initially, the decision will be valid for six months, but it may be extended until May 2027.
Austria’s tough policy amid growing anti-immigration sentiment in the EU
This ban comes at a time when more and more EU countries are reviewing their migration policies amid the growing popularity of right-wing radical parties.
In Austria, the right-wing populist Austrian Freedom Party (FPO) won a historic victory in the parliamentary elections in September 2024. Despite failing to form a coalition, it remains the leader in opinion polls.
Chancellor Christian Stocker, who has led the government since March in an alliance with the Social Democrats and Liberals, is under political pressure to continue his tough migration policy.
According to the government, the number of refugee relatives who have arrived in Austria is growing: in 2023, the number reached 9,300, and in 2022, 7,800.
