Upper Austria's premiere: Basic rule courses for asylum seekers started!

Upper Austria's premiere: Basic rule courses for asylum seekers started!

Austria takes an important step in asylum policy and is the first federal state to introduce so -called basic rule courses for asylum seekers in state institutions. These new courses, which are designed as a orientation measure, are intended to help refugees to familiarize themselves with the local handling rules. According to vienna.at currently waiting in Upper Austria in basic care quarters at the end of their procedures. Of these, 180 live in the federal government, while the majority are housed in state institutions.

The basic rule courses, which already run in the form of pilot projects in Traun and Marchtrenk, are planned for an expansion to all 196 facilities in Upper Austria by the end of the year. In cooperation with the Austrian Integration Fund (ÖIF) and the Federal Employment Agency for Supervision and Support services, contents of the training were developed and included five modules of 90 minutes each. The topics include culture and manners, rights and obligations as well as equality. The courses are offered in German and translated by interpreters if necessary.

mandatory participation and consequences in the event of non-maintenance

Participation in these courses is mandatory for every asylum seeker. In the event of a refusal, negative consequences for the asylum procedure can threaten. This measure aims to convey everyday behaviors that are necessary for a harmonious coexistence, explains the responsible authority.

The initiatives in Austria are accompanied by a general discussion about asylum policy in the country. Gerhard Karner, who has been Federal Minister of the Interior since December 2021, emphasizes that a strict asylum policy must also be fair. In the first quarter of 2023, 4,450 illegal migrants were already taken up on the border between Austria and Hungary - a dramatic increase compared to only 190 in the previous year.

return measures and family reunification

Karner and the ÖVP also pursue a policy that is designed for increased return measures. In 2022, 5,978 illegal migrants were deported, in fact this number was almost 13,000. Family reunification remains a central problem in migration policy, and adjustments are sought to avoid overload. In addition, family members in foreign representations are to be subjected to more intensive security and identity examinations.

The Austrian authorities are actively looking for suitable reciprocal countries for illegal migrants, with discussions with countries such as Morocco and Tunisia. Together with Denmark, the construction of a Tunisian border protection infrastructure is being worked on. Returns of Afghans and Syrians who have committed criminal offenses are also up for debate. Karner calls for changes in European laws to enable asylum procedures in third countries.

The comprehensive measures in asylum policy, including the new basic rule courses, should help to facilitate the integration of refugees and at the same time better manage the challenges in the field of migration, according to those responsible. Developments in Austria could also serve as a model for other European countries.