Family reunification in Austria: Government implements drastic measures

Family reunification in Austria: Government implements drastic measures

Wien, Österreich - The Austrian federal government has decided to stop the family reunification of asylum entitlements. This was confirmed by the cabinet in Vienna today and is a central step of the new coalition from the conservative People's Party (ÖVP), the Social Democratic SPÖ and the liberal NEOS. Chancellor Christian Stocker (ÖVP) described this decision as the "stop key in terms of family reunification". The aim is to ensure public life and recording capacities in education, health and security.

The measure that was caught in a session of the cabinet must now be approved by the National Council. According to the statements by Interior Minister Gerhard Karner (ÖVP), family reunification is to be linked to stricter conditions and initially set to zero. "We have limited recording capacities, especially in areas such as education," said Stocker. However, the critics of the measure fear that this step will be a violation of existing asylum laws and the European Convention on Human Rights.

changes in family reunification

The focus of the upcoming amendment to the law is a sustainable suspension of the family reunification for refugees. In 2023 and 2024, 18,000 people were brought to Austria via this path, including 13,000 minors or school -age children. The numbers are declined by controls and DNA comparisons: In February 2024, there were almost 1,000 registered stragglers, while only 60 were registered in February 2025. The government relies on the EU emergency clause, which can be used in the event of a threat to public order and internal security.

The legal aspects of this decision are controversial. Interior Secretary Jörg Leichtfried from the SPÖ said that the Federal Government's goal was to bring irregular migration to zero, but this should not affect the right to asylum. Austria has around 9.2 million inhabitants and is faced with increasing youth crime, which motivates the government in addition to its initiative.

outlook for the future

The stop of the family reunification is presented as temporarily, but the introduction of a quota system for the future is also in the room. The details remain vague and the duration of the zero quota is unclear. These measures not only affect the families concerned, but also require a comprehensive discussion about the integration of migrants and how to deal with asylum seekers in Austria.

The discussion about family reunification is traced with excitement because it has both legal and social implications. The Austrian government is responsible for finding a balance between the needs of society and the rights of refugees. How the situation will develop remains to be seen.

For more information, please visit the articles from Tagesschau and DW .