The wave of applications for family reunification in the asylum system continued to level off significantly in May. This is evident from current figures from the Ministry of the Interior.
In May, 493 applications were submitted to enter Austria; in January there were more than 2,000, also below the monthly average of the previous year (1,169).
Arrests in Burgenland have decreased
The number of arrests of refugees has also fallen sharply in Burgenland. By the end of June, almost 290 of these had taken place after crossing the border illegally – in the comparable period of 2023 there had been 9,600 arrests and in 2022 even more than 16,400.
The Ministry of the Interior is satisfied with its own work: “The significant decrease in arrests is the result of the ongoing fight against the smuggling mafia and also brings relief to the population. We will therefore vigorously continue this path of combating illegal migration,” Minister Gerhard Karner (ÖVP) said in a written statement to the APA.
However, the number of asylum applications is still relatively high, although it is decreasing. In the first five months of 2024, there were 11,644 applications. This is a decrease of 36 percent compared to the previous year. In May that was even 44 percent. By far the strongest group in terms of origin are Syrians with more than 7,300 applications. Afghans take second place, ahead of Turks and Somalis.
High number of female asylum seekers
The number of female asylum seekers is still remarkably high, which is due to strong family reunification this year, especially at the beginning of the year. So far in 2024, 46 percent of asylum applications have come from women.
In terms of age groups, the under-sevens remain the strongest group with a share of just under 33 percent. In total, approximately 5,500 children and young people of nursery/kindergarten or compulsory school age submitted an application in the first five months.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
