The latest poll by Peter Hajek on behalf of the Austrian Integration Fund (ÖIF) highlights the concerns of the Austrian population about integration and the coexistence of people with and without a migration background.
Since November 2015, the Integration Barometer has regularly mapped out the fears and concerns of Austrians. The results show that 60 percent of respondents often worry about the integration of refugees and immigrants. Political Islam and the associated conflicts between migrant groups are also a source of great concern: 55 percent and 53 percent of participants, respectively, consider these conflicts to be important. What should not be overlooked is the continued fear of a new wave of refugees, similar to that of 2015, which is shared by 50 percent of respondents.
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While inflation at 72 percent and healthcare system bottlenecks at 64 percent are currently seen as the most pressing issues, integration is an ongoing issue. The research shows a mixed picture of social cohesion: 51 percent rates it as poor, while 46 percent thinks positively about it. These ratings have improved slightly since the last survey in October 2023.
Critical of Muslims
Living together with specific groups is assessed differently. Although living with immigrants in general and refugees is viewed quite negatively (34 percent and 31 percent positive ratings respectively), living with Muslims is particularly crucial; only 25 percent see this positively. In contrast, living with Ukrainians displaced by war is viewed positively by 60 percent. A majority of 65 percent of Austrians believe that the country is not dealing well with the current influx of refugees and asylum seekers. However, this picture is changing now that the number of positive reviews has increased since October 2023.
Exploitation of the social system
The respondents see major challenges in the integration itself. 69 percent rate the integration as poor, a picture that has improved slightly since the last survey. Attitudes towards women, political Islam and radicalisation, as well as the exploitation of the social system, are seen as particularly problematic.
Adaptation to the red-white-red culture
The research further highlights the importance of immigrants adapting to Austrian culture. The majority of respondents (87 percent) are in favor of immigrants having to adapt culturally. The essential features of successful integration are knowledge and recognition of the laws, participation in the labor market, understanding of everyday Austrian rules and command of the German language.
Source: Krone
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