ÖVP Rejects Residency Requirements for Refugees in Austria

The Austrian People's Party (ÖVP) has rejected a proposal to implement residency requirements for asylum seekers in Austria. Christian Stocker, the ÖVP Secretary General, stated that the responsibility lies with the city of Vienna to prepare its social welfare system to prevent people from coming to the city solely for social benefits.

Stocker argued that the federal government has already taken action to reduce asylum applications, and now it is Vienna's task to ensure that people come to the city for jobs, not social welfare. He also mentioned the ÖVP's proposal to only pay out social welfare after five years of legal residence in Austria.

Regarding a proposal by AMS head Johannes Kopf to limit social welfare for recognized refugees to the federal state where their asylum procedure took place, Stocker said this is a matter for an agreement between the federal states, not a federal regulation.

Why this matters: The debate over residency requirements for refugees in Austria highlights the ongoing challenges of integrating asylum seekers and the potential impact on social welfare systems. The outcome of this discussion could set a precedent for how other cities and regions in Austria approach the issue of refugee integration and benefits eligibility.

The ÖVP also sees scope for changes in the family reunification process, such as linking it to a personal interview or adjusting the age limit. Meanwhile, Vienna's Deputy Mayor Christoph Wiederkehr (NEOS) and the Left Party on asylum have reiterated their demand for a residency requirement for recognized refugees.

As the debate continues, the Austrian government and local authorities will need to find a balance between supporting the integration of refugees and managing the impact on social welfare systems. Stocker emphasized that the focus should be on encouraging refugees to come to Vienna for employment opportunities rather than solely relying on social benefits.

Key Takeaways

• ÖVP rejects residency requirements for asylum seekers in Austria.
• ÖVP proposes paying social welfare after 5 years of legal residence.
• Debate over refugee integration and social welfare impact continues.
• ÖVP sees scope for changes in family reunification process.
• Balancing refugee integration and social welfare system impact is key.