Vienna Becomes a Home: Why Syrian Refugees Refuse to Return After 10 Years
A new report issued by the Public Employment Service in Austria (AMS) reveals the reasons that drive many Syrian refugees to build their lives in Vienna, showing that only a few of them think about returning to Syria. The findings indicate that security, stability, and financial support are the main motivations behind this decision.
The study titled 'New Refugees from Syria in the Austrian Labor Market' clearly indicated that return is rarely an option. Even the return bonus offered by the federal government of 1,000 euros had little effect. For most Syrians, Austria — especially Vienna — is the place where they see their future.
One of the Syrian women, aged 39, expressed the feelings of many by saying: "No, we want to stay in Austria until my children achieve stability." She added that her previous experience with homelessness increased her desire for safety and order. The AMS report indicates that such opinions are common among the Syrian communities in Vienna.
Many of those who insist on staying are refugees who arrived during the wave of migration in 2015. After ten years in Austria, one woman said: "I have been here for ten years. My child does not speak Arabic, but only speaks Austrian." With children fully integrated into schools and society, returning to Syria is no longer an option.
The report also addresses a sensitive political issue: social assistance. Refugees with subsidiary protection in Vienna receive full minimum income support, unlike most other Austrian states. This financial support has made the capital a preferred destination for Syrians. One refugee explained: "I came to Vienna because of my status in subsidiary protection. Vienna offers me better financial support." Another added that he prefers other states, but he sees the financial benefits in Vienna making it the best choice for his family. The report also noted that families from Upper Austria have also moved to Vienna for purely economic reasons.