Omari Gates
Austria's attitude towards immigrants has been a cause for concern in recent years, with the country witnessing a rightward shift that has put immigration in the crosshairs. While the country has seen an increase in immigration, with around 27% of its population of foreign origin, it has also experienced a rise in far-right sentiment, with parties like the FPO running on pledges to tighten asylum laws and restrict illegal immigration. This has led to concerns about the growing influence of nativist populism and anti-immigrant platforms in Austrian politics. However, Austria's policies remain ambivalent, with some measures becoming more restrictive and others more liberal. The country has a National Action Plan for Integration, established in 2010, which focuses on labour market inclusion and language acquisition, among other topics, but challenges remain in ensuring effective integration and combating hate speech and hate crimes directed at immigrants.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Population | 8,967,982 (2024 estimate) |
| Population growth rate | 0.3% (2024 estimate) |
| Birth rate | 9.3 births/1,000 population (2024 estimate) |
| Death rate | 9.9 deaths/1,000 population (2024 estimate) |
| Net migration rate | 3.5 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2024 estimate) |
| Ethnic groups | Austrian 80.8%, German 2.6%, Bosnian and Herzegovinian 1.9%, Turkish 1.8%, Serbian 1.6%, Romanian 1.3%, other 10% (2018 estimate) |
| Number of foreigners | 700,000 (2012) |
| Percentage of foreigners in the total population | 9% (2012) |
| Number of foreigners in the labor market | 280,000 (2012) |
| Percentage of people in Austria born abroad or with foreign parents | 27% (2024) |
| Number of third-country nationals (TCNs) | Over 1.1 million (2024) |
| Percentage of TCNs in the population | 12.4% (2024) |
| Number of EU citizens | 883,900 (2024) |
| Percentage of EU citizens in the population | 9.7% (2024) |
| Political parties' stance on immigration | Some parties have pledged to tighten asylum laws and crack down on illegal immigration |
| Public opinion on immigration | Various degrees of tolerance were correlated with being young, male, urban, living in a province with a high foreign population, and high socioeconomic status |
| Government measures | Some restrictive policies, such as barring asylum seekers from accessing federal benefits; some liberal policies, such as promoting qualified immigration |
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What You'll Learn
Austria's rightward shift
Austria's attitude towards immigrants has been described as "ambivalent", with recent policies reflecting a mix of restrictiveness and liberalism. The country has witnessed a rightward shift, with the Freedom Party (FPO) gaining support due to its tough stance on immigration and criticism of Islam. This shift has sparked concerns about the rise of the far right in Europe.
Austria has experienced increasing immigration in recent years, with the number of people born abroad or with foreign-born parents rising by over a third between 2015 and 2023. As of 2024, approximately 27% of Austria's population of about 9 million are either foreign-born or have foreign-born parents. This trend is reflected in the growing popularity of the FPO, which has leveraged concerns about the pace of immigration and the integration of newcomers into Austrian society.
The FPO's victory in the 2024 election has been attributed to its pledges to tighten asylum laws and curb illegal immigration. The party's success has been met with apprehension by those worried about the increasing influence of the far right in Europe. The FPO's tough rhetoric on immigration and criticism of Islam have drawn parallels to the targeting of Jews in the early Nazi era, although some disagree with this assessment, arguing that Muslims face no such persecution in Austria.
Austria's National Action Plan for Integration, established in 2010, guides the country's integration efforts. The plan focuses on various topics, including language and education, employment, cultural values, and social issues. However, the country has faced criticism for its treatment of asylum seekers, refugees, and migrants, with allegations of pushbacks and ill-treatment by security forces. There are also concerns about the under-representation of migrants and minorities in cultural venues, highlighting the ongoing challenges of integration in Austrian society.
The Austrian government's measures, such as barring asylum seekers from accessing federal benefits, have sparked debates among the country's political parties. These discussions reflect Austria's complex and evolving attitude towards immigration, with some parties embracing more restrictive policies while others advocate for a more liberal approach.
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Anti-immigrant sentiment
Austria's attitude towards immigrants has been described as "ambivalent", with recent policies reflecting a mix of restrictiveness and liberalism. The country has seen a rightward shift in recent years, with parties such as the Freedom Party (FPOe) adopting tough stances on immigration and criticising Islam. This has led to concerns about the rise of the far right in the country. The FPO and the ruling conservative Austrian People's Party (OVP) have both pledged to tighten asylum laws and crack down on illegal immigration.
The head of the Austrian Association of Jewish Students, Alon Ishay, drew parallels between the targeting of Jews in the early Nazi era and the current attitudes towards Muslims in Austria. He pointed out rhetorical similarities in the discourse around deportation and the removal of citizenship rights. However, not all Austrians share this view, and there are efforts to promote integration and improve the inclusion of migrants and minorities in various aspects of society.
Austria's National Action Plan for Integration, established in 2010, guides the country's integration efforts. The plan focuses on various topics, including language and education, work and employment, cultural values, health and social issues, and housing. It aims to facilitate the integration of immigrants into Austrian society while also expecting active participation and engagement from migrants. The plan has been implemented across different governance levels and is designed to be a two-way process involving both the state and migrant communities.
Despite these efforts, Austria's score on the MIPEX 100-point scale, which measures integration policies, is slightly below the EU and OECD averages. The country has also seen the rise of nativist populism, with candidates touting anti-immigrant platforms gaining support in recent elections. This reflects a broader trend across Europe and the United States, where populism is moving from the fringes to the mainstream, influencing immigration policymaking and contributing to the challenges facing societies in these regions.
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Integration of immigrants
Austria's attitude towards immigration has been described as "ambivalent", with some policies being restrictive and others more liberal. The country has seen a rightward shift in recent years, with concerns about taking in migrants faster than they can be integrated. This has resulted in the implementation of more stringent asylum laws and a crackdown on illegal immigration.
Austria has implemented several measures to facilitate the integration of immigrants, recognising it as a two-way process requiring both state services and the active participation of migrants. The country has a National Action Plan for Integration, developed in 2010 by the Federal Ministry of the Interior in collaboration with other ministries, local authorities, researchers, and civil society organisations. This plan addresses various topics, including language and education, employment, cultural values, health, and social issues. German language acquisition is a key focus, along with labour market inclusion, to facilitate economic participation and social cohesion.
The Settlement and Residence Act of 2005, which has been amended over 40 times, defines the categories of residence permits and the procedures to obtain them. Amendments have been made to promote qualified immigration and facilitate the voluntary departure of migrants without legal status. Additionally, targeted integration plans have been developed for specific population groups, such as the 50-Points-Plan for beneficiaries of international protection, demonstrating a commitment to tailored approaches for different immigrant needs.
Austria also offers pre-departure orientation programs to help refugees develop the necessary knowledge, skills, and attitudes to navigate the challenges of resettlement. These programs aim to address cultural and linguistic barriers, as well as employment-related concerns. The country's integration efforts are guided by an overarching action plan that emphasises the importance of voluntary engagement to help migrants become involved in Austrian society, gain practical work experience, and build valuable connections.
Despite these efforts, there are concerns about the reception conditions for immigrants in Austria. The Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights has recommended improvements, including harmonised standards for reception centres, expedited family reunification for unaccompanied children, and enhanced access to education and employment for asylum seekers. There is also a focus on combating hate speech and hate crimes, with calls for prompt investigations into allegations of pushbacks and ill-treatment by security forces.
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Restrictive policies
Austria's attitude towards immigrants has been described as "continuing ambivalence," with recent policies reflecting a mix of restrictive and liberal approaches. The country has seen a rightward shift in recent years, with concerns about immigration taking centre stage in elections. This shift has been characterised by pledges to tighten asylum laws and crack down on illegal immigration, reflecting a harder line on immigration and integration.
Austria has implemented several restrictive policies and measures towards immigrants in recent years. Firstly, the country has sought to limit the number of asylum seekers and migrants entering the country. This is evident in the pledges made by conservative parties such as the Austrian People's Party (OVP) and the Freedom Party (FPOe) to tighten asylum laws and curb illegal immigration. These parties have tapped into concerns about the pace of immigration and the integration of migrants, with some Austrians, including those of Muslim origin, feeling that the country is stretched too thin.
In line with this, the Austrian government has introduced measures such as barring some asylum seekers from accessing federal benefits. This has sparked debate and division among the country's political parties. Additionally, amendments have been made to the Settlement and Residence Act of 2005, which defines the categories of residence permits and the procedures to obtain them. The act has been amended over 40 times, with some changes aiming to promote qualified immigration and facilitate the voluntary departure of migrants without legal status.
The Federal Act Concerning the Granting of Asylum of 2005 is also currently in force, and Austria has a National Action Plan for Integration that was established in 2010. This plan, designed by the Federal Ministry of the Interior and other stakeholders, guides the country's integration efforts and covers various topics, including language, education, employment, cultural values, and social issues. However, there have been concerns about the implementation of this plan and the reception of migrants in Austria. The Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Dunja Mijatović, has recommended improvements to the reception and integration of refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants. She has urged the adoption of harmonised standards for reception centres to prevent overcrowding and lengthy stays and emphasised the need to address the specific needs of vulnerable people, especially unaccompanied children.
Furthermore, Austria has not been immune to the rise of nativist populism seen in recent years, with anti-immigrant platforms gaining support in elections. This has contributed to a climate of increasing hostility towards asylum seekers, refugees, and migrants, with reports of hate speech and hate crimes. There have also been concerns about the treatment of migrants by security forces, including allegations of pushbacks and ill-treatment, which the Commissioner has urged the authorities to investigate independently and effectively.
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Refugees' challenges
Austria has absorbed a large number of refugees and asylum seekers in recent years, particularly from Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, and Iran. This has led to various challenges for the country, including the need for labour market and social integration, adequate housing, and cultural dialogue.
One of the primary challenges faced by refugees in Austria is the delay in securing employment. Refugees often face restricted job market access during the asylum process, which can make it difficult for them to find jobs. Social networks, especially with Austrians, are essential in assisting refugees in their job search. Additionally, language skills are crucial, and the ability to speak and understand German to an advanced level is important for both social and labour market integration. Refugees who do not speak German may struggle to communicate with potential employers and colleagues, further hindering their employment prospects.
Housing is another critical issue for refugees in Austria. The availability and quality of housing are primary considerations for many refugees, particularly for displaced women. Inadequate housing can impact refugees' health and well-being, as it may not meet their cultural or religious needs. Additionally, the high cost of housing in big cities can be a challenge, leading to financial pressure and residential instability.
Refugees in Austria also face challenges related to healthcare access and mental health support. There may be interruptions in healthcare provision or treatment due to displacement, and refugees often face barriers to accessing healthcare services. This can result in lower self-assessed health, as reported by female refugees from Afghanistan.
The integration of refugees into Austrian society is a complex process that involves social, cultural, and political factors. Refugees may experience a perception of discrimination, particularly with closer social encounters with Austrians. This can hinder their social integration and contribute to a sense of marginalization. Additionally, the recent shift in Austria's political landscape towards the far right has raised concerns about the targeting of certain groups, such as Muslims, and the potential impact on refugees' rights and well-being.
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Frequently asked questions
Austria's attitude towards immigrants is ambivalent, with some policies being restrictive and others more liberal. The country has seen a rightward shift in recent years, with parties such as the Freedom Party (FPOe) combining tough talk on immigration with criticism of Islam. However, Austria also has a National Action Plan for Integration, which was set up in 2010 and focuses on labour market inclusion, language acquisition, and values and orientation courses.
The Settlement and Residence Act of 2005 defines different categories of residence permits and the requirements and procedures to obtain them. It has been amended over 40 times, with notable changes including the implementation of EU directives on intra-corporate transfers and the promotion of qualified immigration.
Refugees in Austria encounter challenges such as adjusting to a new culture and language, finding a job, and facing xenophobia and discrimination. There are concerns that Austria is taking in migrants faster than it can integrate them, and the government has implemented measures such as barring some asylum seekers from accessing federal benefits.
