Many Ukrainians found refuge from Putin’s war of aggression in Austria. But here they are at risk of impoverishment, according to a new UNHCR survey. The reason often lies in the home system, which is designed for short stays.
A study by the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) shows that refugees from Ukraine are at risk of poverty in Austria. More than a third of the respondents (around 38 percent) stated that they could barely meet their basic needs in Austria in the past three months, 17 percent not at all. The UNHCR therefore demanded a system change in Austria on Friday.
The aim of the research was to gain random insight into the current situation of refugees in Austria, challenges and intentions to return. From January to March, a total of 533 refugee households from Ukraine in Austria were surveyed online, gathering information from more than 1,500 people.
Ukrainians pessimistic about return
While 42 percent of those surveyed still hoped to return home one day, very few refugees (4 percent) believed they would return within the next three months.
According to UNHCR, the report also shows very clearly that the insecurity caused by the war and the lack of access to basic services such as electricity, water and health care and the lack of employment in Ukraine prevent refugees from returning.
“The data collected impressively shows that the course must now finally be set to offer longer-term prospects to the refugees from Ukraine in Austria. This urgently requires a systemic change,” said Christoph Pinter, head of UNHCR Austria.
Undoubtedly, the rapid admission and provision of temporary protection in the EU and Austria was the order of the day and the commitment of all actors in the emergency response was unprecedented. But now it is urgent to work on viable long-term solutions.
Poverty is exacerbated by the system
The risk of poverty is currently increased by the fact that refugees from Ukraine are part of the so-called basic care system, which is actually intended for asylum seekers and for a short stay (for a private person max. 425 euros rent per month and meals).
A complicated calculation system and very low extra earnings made it difficult for many refugees who did not immediately find a well-paid or full-time job to get a job. This initial situation is especially difficult for mothers who have fled alone and often have small children. A number of families were separated by Putin’s invasion of Ukraine. Many men were not allowed to leave the country.
“The refugees from Ukraine should be given the opportunity to arrive in Austria both emotionally and economically. To do this, they need more rights and also a long-term residence permit,” says Pinter. Particular consideration should be given to the large number of mothers and children who have fled alone and the high percentage of people with special needs (about 17 percent in the study).
Source: Krone
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