The Austrian government suspends family reunification for this reason!
A new study released by the Austrian Integration Fund (Österreichischer Integrationsfonds) revealed that individuals arriving in Austria through family reunification (Familiennachzug) face significant challenges in integration, both socially and in the labor market. The study coincided with the announcement of the new Austrian government led by Chancellor Christian Stocker to halt family reunification, aiming to protect social and service systems from collapsing due to increasing pressure.
According to the study, the percentage of young males who arrived through family reunification and are employed does not exceed 41%, while the percentage reaches 57% among those who came to Austria as "Originärantragsteller" (original asylum applicants). The situation appears to be worse among Syrians, where only 34% of young Syrian arrivals through family reunification are employed, compared to 48% of their counterparts. As for women, the figures indicate a more alarming situation. About 90% of women who arrived through family reunification do not work during the first three years after their arrival, and only one in five women is employed.
Linguistically, the study indicated that only a third of individuals achieve a good level in the German language after three years, while about 20% of them have not attended any language course at all. What is even more concerning is that women who arrive through family reunification participate 73% less in language courses compared to others.
Claudia Plakolm, the Minister of Integration, commented: "The situation is not improving, and we have reached the limits of our capacity. The continuation of family reunification leads to an increase in parallel communities and makes social integration nearly impossible. That is why the decision to halt family reunification was very necessary."
The government is now seeking to focus its efforts on the individuals currently in the country, to ensure their effective integration before considering increasing numbers.