Austria's Immigration Policies: Humane Or Harsh?

Austria's immigration policies have been described as ambivalent, with measures that both welcome and restrict immigration. The country has a history of international migration, mobility, and ethno-cultural diversity, with about 180 different nationalities currently living in the capital, Vienna. While immigration is a key issue in Austrian politics, the official line remains that Austria is not a traditional country of immigration.

Austria's immigration policies have been influenced by its history, economic situation, and public sentiment. The country's population has become more diverse in recent years, with an increase in the percentage of third-country nationals (TCNs) each year over the last five years. In 2022, 42.6% of TCNs living in Austria had valid permanent residence permits, and 23.57% were temporary residents.

Austria's immigration policies cover various aspects, including entry, residence, employment, and asylum. The country has introduced measures such as the integration before immigration concept, which prioritises the integration of existing immigrants over new immigration. The country also has specific requirements for different types of immigrants, such as qualified workers from third countries, who need a Red-White-Red Card to live and work in Austria.

In recent years, there has been a focus on restricting immigration, with political parties addressing concerns over immigration levels during election campaigns. The far-right Freedom Party (FPO), for example, has called for strict criteria to be enforced on legal immigration and the removal of migrants who have entered the country illegally.

Austria's immigration landscape is complex and evolving, with a mix of open borders, integration measures, and restrictive policies.

Austria's immigration policies reflect ambivalence, with some more restrictive and some more liberal

Austria's immigration policies reflect ambivalence, with some measures restricting immigration and others welcoming it. On the one hand, the country has implemented policies that severely curtail traditional labour migration and family reunification programs due to widespread public discontent with immigration levels in the early 1990s. Austria's far-right Freedom Party (FPO), which won the 2024 parliamentary election, advocates for the removal of migrants who entered the country illegally and the enforcement of very strict criteria on legal immigration. The conservative Austrian People's Party (OVP), which finished as the runner-up, also intends to impose tougher immigration rules, including deportations of asylum seekers to their homelands and the use of their valuables to cover the costs of their integration.

However, Austria's immigration policies also demonstrate a more liberal approach in certain aspects. The country has introduced new integration measures, such as language and orientation courses, to help migrants settle into Austrian society and improve their German language skills. Additionally, Austria's accession to the European Union (EU) has led to more open borders, and the country has admitted thousands of temporary seasonal workers. The leftist Social Democrats (SPO) support a "fair distribution" of asylum seekers across EU member states and providing safe and legal routes for refugees to reach Austria. The left-wing Greens, in coalition with the OVP, argue that the Austrian economy and social security systems need migrants and advocate for letting asylum seekers stay if they integrate and work in sectors with labour shortages.

The conflicting nature of Austria's immigration policies presents a challenge in reconciling these approaches. The history of the country's "guest-worker" regime suggests that temporary migration often becomes permanent, impacting the long-term size and composition of its immigrant population. While the official line maintains that Austria is not a traditional country of immigration, the reality is more nuanced. With a diverse migrant population and a significant proportion of foreign-born residents, Austria's immigration landscape reflects a mix of restrictive and liberal policies shaped by economic, social, and political factors.

In summary, Austria's immigration policies reflect a complex interplay between restrictive and liberal approaches, influenced by public sentiment, economic needs, and the country's position within the EU.

Austria's far-right Freedom Party imposes tougher immigration rules

Austrias far-right Freedom Party imposes tougher immigration rules

Austria's far-right Freedom Party (FPOe) has imposed tougher immigration rules as part of its broader agenda, which includes illiberal and authoritarian policies. The party's leader, Herbert Kickl, has made several controversial statements and proposals regarding immigration and the treatment of foreigners in Austria.

Immigration Rules and Policies

• Opposition to Immigration and Asylum: The Freedom Party has strongly opposed immigration and asylum policies, calling for a stop to immigration and the tightening of border controls. They have advocated for the "remigration" or expulsion of Austrian citizens with foreign roots who are deemed unable to integrate.
• Homogeneity and Ethnic Nationalism: The party promotes the idea of a homogeneous nation and ethnic nationalism. They want to preserve the cultural identity and social peace of Austria by reducing immigration and suspending the right to asylum.
• Criticism of Islam and Muslims: While initially focusing on Islamic extremism, the party has expanded its criticism to include the increasing Muslim population in Austria. They have also vowed to outlaw the distribution of free copies of the Quran.
• Fortress Austria: The Freedom Party's election program, titled "Fortress Austria," calls for strict border controls and the suspension of asylum rights to create a more homogeneous nation.
• Opposition to Sanctions on Russia: The party is critical of Western sanctions on Russia and wants to end these measures. They are also against providing military aid to Ukraine.
• Criticism of the EU: The Freedom Party has criticized "elites" in Brussels and advocated for bringing back powers from the European Union to Austria. They oppose Turkey's accession to the EU and have proposed leaving the EU if this happens.
• Education and Media Purges: Kickl has proposed purging the education system and neutralizing the public media to align them with the party's ideological agenda.

Impact of Freedom Party's Policies

The Freedom Party's tougher immigration rules and broader agenda have had a significant impact on Austria's political landscape and society:

• Shift in Political Culture: The Freedom Party has transformed Austria's political culture, influencing even the traditional conservative party, the People's Party, to adopt more hardline immigration stances.
• Rise in Racism and Xenophobia: Studies show that the Freedom Party's rhetoric and policies have contributed to increasing racism, xenophobia, antisemitism, and hostility towards foreigners and immigration in Austrian society.
• Normalization of Far-Right: The Freedom Party's success has normalized far-right politics in Austria and Europe, with similar parties gaining traction and electoral victories in other countries.
• Appeal to Extremism: Kickl's extremist positions and rhetoric appeal to Austrians' worst instincts, including nationalism, xenophobia, and conspiracy theories.

Austria's Social Democrats want a fair distribution of asylum seekers across EU member states

Austria has several immigration policies in place for humans. Third-country nationals (TCNs) who are not EEA citizens or Swiss nationals need a residence permit if they plan to stay in the country for longer than six months. There are different types of residence permits, including the Red-White-Red Card, which is issued for a period of 24 months and allows the holder to settle and work in Austria.

In terms of asylum seekers, Austria's Social Democrats have called for a fair distribution of asylum seekers across EU member states. This is in contrast to the views of the far-right Freedom Party (FPÖ), which opposes German-backed proposals to distribute asylum seekers. The Social Democrats, or SPÖ, have struggled to gain votes and attract new voters from the FPÖ, and their electoral programme has been criticised by their own party elites as "unserious". Despite this, the SPÖ remains committed to addressing voter concerns over migration and asylum, which polls suggest are among the most important problems that politics should address.

Austria's integration strategy for migrants focuses on labour market inclusion and acquiring knowledge of the German language and culture. The National Action Plan for Integration, implemented since 2010, includes topics such as language and education, work and employment, cultural values, health and social issues, and housing. The plan is implemented through a mandatory programme called the Integration Agreement, which includes vocational training and language courses.

On a European level, the EU has established a Common European Asylum System (CEAS) to ensure that asylum seekers are treated equally across member states. The system is governed by legislative instruments such as the Asylum Procedures Directive, the Reception Conditions Directive, and the Qualification Directive. The Dublin Regulation and the EURODAC Regulation also play a crucial role in protecting asylum seekers and determining the responsible Member State.

Austria's integration of immigrants is guided by an action plan focusing on labour market inclusion and German language acquisition

Austria's integration of immigrants is guided by a National Action Plan for Integration, which was established in 2010 and is implemented across different governance levels. The plan focuses on labour market inclusion and German language acquisition, with the aim of helping migrants get involved in Austrian society. It also covers other topics such as education, employment, cultural values, health, and housing.

The action plan is implemented through a mandatory programme called the Integration Agreement, which includes vocational training. All third-country nationals (TCNs) must sign this agreement, which requires them to complete a first module within the first two years of residence. This module includes a language course and test at the A2 level, as well as participation in values and orientation courses. Upon completion, migrants typically receive a three-year extension of their residence permit. To apply for permanent residence, they must then complete a second module, which requires a B1 level of German.

Beneficiaries of international protection, such as asylum seekers and refugees, are also obliged to sign the Integration Agreement. For them, it includes participation in values and orientation courses and a demonstration of language competence at the B1 level. Participation in these courses and exams is mandatory, and non-compliance can result in reduced or annulled social benefits.

In addition to the overarching National Action Plan for Integration, Austria has also developed more targeted integration plans that focus on specific topics or population groups. For example, in 2016, a 50-Points-Plan was published to address the integration of beneficiaries of international protection.

Austria's integration strategy understands integration as a two-way process that requires both the provision of services from the state and the active participation of migrants. To support this process, special focus is placed on voluntary engagement, which helps migrants improve their German language skills, gain practical experience within the labour market, and create contacts.

To further promote labour market integration, Austria introduced the Recognition and Assessment Act in 2016. This act regulates the recognition of qualifications obtained abroad, aiming to simplify the procedure and promote labour market integration. An online portal and counselling centres throughout the country assist individuals in this process, with some public funding available to cover associated costs.

Overall, Austria's integration of immigrants is guided by a comprehensive action plan that prioritises labour market inclusion and German language acquisition, with the goal of facilitating the successful integration of migrants into Austrian society.

Austria's naturalisation of foreign nationals is regulated restrictively, including a ban on dual citizenship

Austria's naturalisation of foreign nationals is governed by the Nationality Law, which came into force on 31 July 1985. The law has been updated several times, most recently in 2019, to reflect gender equality and to introduce symmetry for the acquisition of nationality via marriage by either partner.

In general, to become a naturalised Austrian citizen, one must fulfil the following requirements:

• 10 years of legal and continuous residence in Austria, with a minimum of 5 years holding a residence permit.
• No criminal record or pending criminal action, either in Austria or abroad.
• Sufficiently secured maintenance and regular earnings.
• Proficiency in the German language and basic knowledge of the democratic system, history, and fundamental principles of Austria and its provinces.
• A positive attitude towards the Republic of Austria and no close relationship to any extremist or terrorist group.
• Renunciation of foreign citizenship, unless this is impractical or the applicant is a recognised refugee, a citizen of another EEA nation, or a person with substantial personal integration.

Austria's naturalisation process is restrictive, particularly for foreign spouses of Austrian citizens, who must meet stringent criteria to obtain citizenship. This includes at least six years of legal and continuous residence in Austria, five years of marriage, and the renunciation of their present citizenship.

Austria's law significantly restricts dual citizenship. Generally, only the following categories of Austrian citizens may hold dual citizenship:

• Those who acquire another nationality at birth, such as children born to Austrian parents in another country.
• Naturalised Austrian citizens who are unable to renounce their existing nationality.
• Those who acquire Austrian citizenship by being appointed a professor at an Austrian university.

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