The situation for refugees from Ukraine remains tense. Refugee coordinator Andreas Achrainer speaks clearly in the krone.tv interview: “Every month about 1,500 to 2,000 new refugees arrive. The numbers in Austria will continue to rise. Winter is coming and 80% of critical infrastructure in Ukraine has been destroyed.”
There are still about 76,000 Ukrainians in Austria, 37,000 of whom receive basic care. “In 2022 there were still about 130,000 people. Many have moved on to other European countries or have already returned to Ukraine,” says Achrainer.
Achrainer is particularly critical of the obstacles faced by refugees seeking to enter the Austrian labor market. “Primary care is the place to start,” he explains. “But basic care is the wrong place for integration.” One of the biggest problems: those who live in primary care lose their room when they go to work. “This point alone prevents many people from entering the labor market,” Achrainer criticizes. Rapid integration is urgently needed.
Basic services slow down integration into the labor market
Achrainer emphasizes the need to get people into the labor market as quickly as possible: “Clear paths for integration are needed. People want to work and can give a lot back if you give them the chance.” Especially given the shortage of skilled workers, it is incomprehensible that bureaucratic obstacles slow down integration.
Austria could make good use of urgently needed workers, especially in the social and healthcare sectors. “We have far too few nursing staff in Austria,” said the expert.
Vienna in particular bears a huge burden. “Vienna has a quota fulfillment of more than 100%, now around 140%. This is also because Vienna as a metropolitan center has the most to offer,” says Achrainer. The high number of jobs and larger housing market make Vienna the favorite destination for refugees.
“Carinthia remains at the bottom”
In the south of the country the situation is different: Carinthia is struggling to become more involved. “Carinthia remains at the bottom. “What I don’t always understand is that Carinthia is a beautiful federal state,” Achrainer explains. Despite existing jobs and opportunities for Ukrainians, better burden sharing is lacking. “There are many jobs available that also require employees. Carinthia would be a good place, especially for Ukrainians.
Vienna in particular bears a huge burden. “Vienna has a quota fulfillment of more than 100% and is now around 140%. This is also because Vienna as a metropolitan center has the most to offer,” says Achrainer. The high number of jobs and larger housing market make Vienna the favorite destination for refugees.
You can see the entire interview in the video above!
We explain what Austria is currently dealing with: the latest news conversations with politicians and experts.
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.
