Austria's Syrian Refugee Influx: Counting The Numbers

Austria is home to around 146,000 refugees, with the majority coming from Syria and Afghanistan. Close to 58,000 Syrian refugees are living in Austria, according to the UNHCR, while the country's statistics agency puts the figure at 100,000. Germany's Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) has said it will freeze asylum applications for more than 47,000 Syrian nationals. Austria has seen a sharp increase in asylum applications via the family reunification process, with more than 95% of the 9,180 asylum applications in 2023 coming from Syrian nationals.

Austria hosts around 146,000 refugees, with close to 58,000 from Syria

In 2023, there was a sharp increase in asylum applications via the family reunification process, with more than 14,000 applications brought in, leading to 9,180 asylum applications in Austria that year. More than 95% were Syrian nationals, 70% of whom were minors.

Germany's Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) has said it will freeze asylum applications for more than 47,000 Syrian nationals. The International Rescue Committee has called on countries where Syrians are living as refugees to uphold the right to asylum and the principle of safe and voluntary return.

Germany's Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) said it will freeze asylum applications for 47,000 Syrian nationals

Germany's Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) has said it will freeze asylum applications for 47,000 Syrian nationals. This decision was made because of the unclear situation in Syria following the fall of Bashar Assad. BAMF explained that the evolving situation in Syria makes reliable assessments of asylum claims difficult.

A spokesperson for BAMF told German media that the situation in Syria is fluid, and that they cannot make responsible decisions about asylum status until they have a clearer understanding of the security and political developments. The freeze applies to all pending asylum applications but does not affect decisions already made.

The decision has sparked renewed political debate about the future of Syrian refugees in Germany and Europe. Local authorities said 47,270 applications were impacted by the application freeze, but that existing applications, which were already decided on, have not been impacted.

Austria, which hosts around 146,000 refugees and subsidiary protection holders, has also frozen asylum applications for Syrian nationals. More than 4.5 million Syrians have made their way to Europe since Assad's crackdown on protests and dissent in 2011.

In 2023, there was a sharp increase in asylum applications via the family reunification process

Austria hosts around 146,000 refugees and subsidiary protection holders, with over 18,000 asylum seekers. Most refugees come from Syria (close to 58,000) and Afghanistan (around 41,000). However, according to Austria's statistics agency, some 100,000 Syrians live in Austria. Germany's Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) has said it will freeze asylum applications for more than 47,000 Syrian nationals.

Austria's statistics agency says 100,000 Syrians live in the country

Austria's statistics agency says that 100,000 Syrians live in the country. This is a significant number, and it is important to note that Austria has been a host to a large number of refugees and asylum seekers. The country has seen an increase in family reunification applications, with more than 14,000 applications brought in, leading to 9,180 asylum applications in 2023. Of these, more than 95% were Syrian nationals, and 70% were minors.

Austria hosts around 146,000 refugees and subsidiary protection holders, with over 18,000 asylum seekers. Most refugees come from Syria (close to 58,000) and Afghanistan (around 41,000). The UNHCR has been present in Austria since 1951 and saw its first emergency with the Hungarian uprising in 1956.

In addition to the UNHCR office, Vienna is also home to the UNHCR Liaison Office to international organisations like the OSCE, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe. The UNHCR’s work in Austria focuses on protecting recognised refugees, holders of subsidiary protection, asylum seekers and stateless persons. This includes monitoring country laws, reception and integration conditions, as well as advocating for persons under the UNHCR's mandate with authorities and relevant stakeholders.

Germany’s Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) said it will freeze asylum applications for more than 47,000 Syrian nationals. This decision was made amid significant uncertainties and concerns for Syria’s transition and its future. The International Rescue Committee’s Imogen Sudbery, senior director for Europe advocacy, emphasised the importance of upholding the right to asylum and the principle of safe and voluntary return for Syrians living as refugees in European countries.

More than 4.5 million Syrians have made their way to Europe since 2011

Austria hosts around 146,000 refugees and subsidiary protection holders, as well as over 18,000 asylum seekers. Of these, close to 58,000 are from Syria, while around 41,000 are from Afghanistan. The UNHCR has been present in Austria since 1951 and its work in the country focuses on protecting recognised refugees, holders of subsidiary protection, asylum seekers, and stateless persons. This includes monitoring country laws, reception and integration conditions, and advocating for persons under its mandate with authorities and relevant stakeholders.

Germany's Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) has said it will freeze asylum applications for more than 47,000 Syrian nationals. Austria has also indicated that it will deport Syrian migrants after the fall of the Assad regime. Despite these developments, the International Rescue Committee has called on all countries where Syrians are living as refugees to uphold the right to asylum and the principle of safe and voluntary return.

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