Family reunification: Karner announces one -year exposure!

Family reunification: Karner announces one -year exposure!

Österreich - Interior Minister Gerhard Karner (ÖVP) has confirmed that family reunification in Austria is stopped for at least one year. In a current announcement, Karner expressed that the federal government is working on a legally sustainable protection of this measure. Exposing the family reunification is a reaction to the "massive overload" of the existing system, which in some cities leads to the worrying state that up to 80% of children in school classes do not speak German.

The situation is particularly critical because the youth crime among young Syrians has increased significantly in the past five years. In 2024, 1,050 Syrian children under the age of 14 were suspected. In view of these developments, the government is essential to relieve and improve the systems before the family reunification can be resumed.

applications and deportations

In February, the number of applications for family reunification dropped drastically to only 60, while around 1,500 applications per month summed up in the previous year. Around 4,500 deportations have already been carried out this year, with a total of 13,000 deportations took place last year. In particular, there is a need for improvement in Syrian citizens, since 250 Syrians voluntarily returned to their homeland and are often not possible due to the uncertain political situation. Karner announced that it would plan forced returns in the medium term and has discussions with the German Interior Ministry in Jordan.

For family members who live in Germany and whose relatives have received asylum, specific regulations apply to family reunification. These include that an asylum application by the spouse or the minor children must be submitted at the same time or immediately after the person authorized to protect the person. The regulations for family reunification in Germany are clearly defined and exclude siblings, among other things, and do not apply to persons who are considered endangers or only married during their escape. Further information can be found on Bamf .

long -term solutions and integration issues

In order to find a sustainable solution, Karner strives for negotiations with the Syrian transitional government. The integration of refugees already affects schools and society in Austria, which is also reinforced by the expected savings in the asylum area. Although the Interior Ministry is planning savings in other departments, Karner emphasizes that security is not saved, and makes it clear that the presence of the security forces is in no way restricted.