Indians In Austria: Experiences And Treatment

Austria and India have had formal diplomatic relations since 1949, and the two countries have collaborated in several areas, including space technology, arts, and culture. However, the treatment of Indian people in Austria is a complex issue. While some Indians have reported experiencing racism and discrimination during their time in Austria, others have not faced any significant problems. It is worth noting that the majority of Indians living in Austria are from the states of Kerala and Punjab and primarily work in the healthcare sector or are self-employed. According to some sources, the level of racism and discrimination faced by Indians in Austria may depend on factors such as their income, occupation, and ability to speak German.

Indians in Austria experience racism, but not from everyone

As a person of Indian descent, you may experience racism in Austria. However, it is important to note that not everyone in the country is racist, and there are many wonderful Austrians who are friendly and welcoming.

A UK citizen of Indian descent shared their experience of facing multiple racist incidents during a holiday in Austria. They recounted instances of being singled out for passport checks, their child being targeted with water throwing, and facing discriminatory behaviour at a supermarket and the Vienna airport. While these experiences are concerning, it is important to acknowledge that not all Indians or people of colour will necessarily encounter the same level of racism in Austria.

The level of racism experienced can depend on various factors, including one's appearance, behaviour, and the company they keep. Some advise that having a white-collar job, a good income, and speaking English or German without an Indian accent can help mitigate racist encounters. Additionally, integrating with locals and avoiding staying exclusively with other Indians can foster a more positive experience.

It is worth noting that Austria has a history of diplomatic relations with India, with several high-level visits and agreements between the two countries. There are also many collaborations and joint ventures between Indian and Austrian firms, and a significant number of Indian tourists visit Austria annually. As of September 2019, there were around 31,000 Indians living in Austria, mainly from the states of Kerala and Punjab, working in the healthcare sector or self-employed.

While racism exists in Austria, as it does in many parts of the world, it is not representative of the entire country or its people. Indians visiting or living in Austria may encounter some racist incidents, but they can also expect to meet welcoming and friendly locals who do not discriminate based on skin colour or ethnicity.

Austrians' views on Indians are influenced by their attitudes towards foreigners in general

However, some Indians have reported experiencing racism during their time in Austria. One UK citizen of Indian descent shared their experience of being subjected to multiple racist incidents during a holiday in Austria, including passport checks, discrimination in public spaces, and hostile behaviour from law enforcement officers. While not everyone in Austria is racist, these incidents highlight a broader issue of racism and xenophobia in the country, particularly towards people of colour and Muslims.

Austrians' attitudes towards foreigners can vary, and some may be more welcoming and friendly towards Indians and other expatriates, while others may display racist and discriminatory behaviour. It is important to recognize that racism exists in Austria, as it does in many other countries, and that the impact of these attitudes on individuals can be harmful and distressing.

Indians in Austria primarily work in healthcare or are self-employed

Indians in Austria are treated with varying degrees of warmth and hostility, depending on the people they interact with. Some Indians have reported experiencing racism and xenophobia, while others have had positive experiences with welcoming Austrians. However, it is important to note that these experiences are anecdotal and may not reflect the overall attitude towards Indians in the country.

When it comes to employment, Indians in Austria primarily work in healthcare or are self-employed. The Austrian healthcare system is inclusive and covers a broad spectrum of health issues and medication requirements. It also benefits the spouses and children of those who are employed and covered by the worker's medical insurance. The system is funded by residents' social contributions in the form of taxes, and expats living and working in Austria are automatically covered by their employer's national healthcare scheme.

For those who are self-employed or freelancers, there is the option to choose between private health insurance or registering for public insurance. The Social Insurance Institution for the Self-Employed (SVS) is the relevant authority for self-employed persons in Austria, and they must register and file their taxes directly with the Austrian tax office. While healthcare in Austria is free for pensioners, spouses of workers, the unemployed, and those unable to work, most employed individuals contribute to the public healthcare system through their salaries.

Austria and India have a history of diplomatic relations

Austria and India have a long history of diplomatic relations, with the two nations establishing formal diplomatic ties in May 1949. This early stage of their relationship was characterised by a strong bond, with India intervening in support of Austria during negotiations with the Soviet Union in 1953, and again during UN-South Tyrol conventions.

Since then, the two countries have continued to strengthen their ties through high-level visits, such as the visits of Prime Ministers Nehru and Indira Gandhi to Austria in 1955 and 1971, respectively, and Chancellor Bruno Kreisky's visit to India in 1980. The two nations have also signed several agreements, including an Air Services Agreement in 1989, an MoU on Air Services in 1997, and a Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement and Bilateral Investment Protection Agreement in 1999.

In recent years, Austria and India have continued to foster their relationship, with Austrian President Heinz Fischer expressing support for India's bid for a permanent seat on a reformed United Nations Security Council during his visit to the country in 2005. In 2013, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched Austria's first two satellites, further solidifying the collaboration between the two nations.

In addition to diplomatic ties, Austria and India also share cultural and economic relations. Sanskrit has been taught at the University of Vienna since 1845, and the University signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Indian Council for Cultural Relations in 2011 to establish a short-term Chair of Indian Studies. Several Indian artists have performed in Austria, and Bollywood films have recently begun to be screened in major multiplexes in Vienna. There is also a growing number of Indian tourists visiting Austria, with approximately 25,000 Indians visiting Vienna in 2013.

On the economic front, there are over 200 collaborations between Indian and Austrian firms, particularly in the fields of steel, manufacturing technology, railways, transport, and metallurgy. Bilateral trade between the two countries totalled EUR 1.869 billion in 2018, with India's exports to Austria amounting to EUR 945.92 million and its imports from Austria totalling EUR 923.54 million.

While there is a history of diplomatic relations between Austria and India, it is important to acknowledge that individual experiences of Indians in Austria may vary. Some individuals may encounter racism or discrimination, as reflected in a few reports by Indian tourists and residents in Austria. However, it is essential to recognise that these experiences do not represent the entirety of the relationship between the two nations.

There is a cultural exchange between the two countries, with Indian artists performing in Austria

There is a rich cultural exchange between Austria and India, with several Indian artists performing in Austria. In July 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi witnessed an "amazing" rendition of 'Vande Mataram' by Austrian artists at the Ritz-Carlton hotel in Vienna. The artists who performed were conducted by Indian-born Vijay Upadhyaya, who is the director of the Vienna University Philharmonic. Upadhyaya founded the India National Youth Orchestra and often conducts Indian-styled music internationally.

In February 2011, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a short-term Chair of Indian Studies at the University of Vienna was signed between the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) and the University of Vienna. This MoU was renewed in 2016, the same year that an MoU on Cultural Exchange was signed by the two countries.

Several Indian artists have performed in Austria, including Amjad Ali Khan, Zakir Hussain, Hariprasad Chaurasia, Vishwa Mohan Bhatt, and Anoushka Shankar. Conductor Zubin Mehta is associated with the Vienna Philharmonic and has given New Year's performances at the famous Musikverein concert hall, including the 2015 concert. Bollywood films have also been screened at major multiplexes in Vienna, and several have been filmed in Austria.

There were around 31,000 Indians living in Austria as of September 2019, with many more visiting. In 2013, about 25,000 Indians visited Vienna, and in 2017, Austria saw 177,700 Indian tourist arrivals.

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