Children up to the age of seven now form the largest group of asylum seekers. In the first quarter, almost a third of asylum applications came from children between zero and seven years old. About 53 percent of applicants are not older than 18 years. In addition, the share of female asylum seekers has increased significantly. According to asylum statistics, the total number of applications is decreasing.
In the first three months of the year, 6,922 asylum applications were submitted. That is 32 percent less than in the same period last year. The Ministry of the Interior attributes this to consistent action against smugglers, for whom Austria has become unattractive. In March of the previous year there were 1,150 arrests in Burgenland alone, while in March 2024 there were only 36. Prices for towing have also almost doubled due to the countermeasures. For example, for the trip from Bulgaria to Austria you will have to pay between 3,000 and 5,000 euros.
Family reunification: Many requests from women and children
What is striking, however, is that family reunification has an effect. 3,649 applications came from minors. 3273 were submitted by adults. The proportion of women has increased significantly. Nearly 46 percent of the applications came from female asylum seekers. In all of 2023, only about 24 percent of applications were submitted by women. Syrians are now by far the strongest country among asylum seekers, accounting for 4,335 applications. Behind them are Afghans with 665. Both groups have a good chance of protection in Austria. For Syrians, only 30 percent of asylum applications were rejected, while for Afghans 39 percent were rejected.
Whatever the case, the influx through family proceedings will probably remain high. In the first quarter, a positive prognosis was given in 3,783 cases, which will usually result in obtaining protection status. 3,503 of this group come from Syria. Asylum seekers from this country were also those clearly most likely to be granted protection status. In the first three months, 5,330 people were granted asylum or subsidiary protection. In total there were approximately 7,500 positive decisions (including humanitarian stays).
Many Russians were denied asylum or subsidiary protection
According to the Federal Office for Immigration and Asylum, asylum or subsidiary protection was withdrawn in 191 cases, with Russians at the top. The group of EU and EEA citizens against whom deportation has been issued is relatively large: 446 people are the most strongly represented here; In addition, a residence ban was issued in 587 cases. This is possible if the person’s behavior endangers public safety or order. Arrests were ordered 846 times in the first quarter.
Between January and March there were 1,427 cases of voluntary departure. This contrasts with 1,722 forced deportations from the country. In total, this is almost 240 more than in the first quarter of the previous year. If we add both groups together, Slovaks, Turks and Hungarians are at the top of those who had to return to their home countries. The majority of Turks left the country voluntarily. According to the Ministry of the Interior, 39 percent of deportees had committed criminal offenses.
The number of displaced people from Ukraine who are still seeking protection in Austria this year is not that small. In the period from January to March, 3,484 people were registered in accordance with the Ukrainian IDP Regulation.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
