Austria Pauses Family Reunions Amid Migrant Integration Concerns

Austria's government temporarily halts family reunion procedures for migrants to improve integration of those already in the country. The decision, part of a broader European effort to curb migration, affects migrants with protected status and follows an increase in family reunions over recent years.

The Austrian government announced on Wednesday a temporary halt to family reunion procedures for migrants, citing a need to better integrate those already in the country. Chancellor Christian Stocker stated that Austria's capacity is limited, prompting this decisive action to prevent further overloading.

The new policy affects migrants with protected status, meaning they cannot be deported, and prohibits them from bringing family members living abroad to Austria. This move is in line with the new government's priority to impose stricter asylum rules, as declared by the coalition of the People's Party, Social Democrats, and Neos.

Official data reveals an increase in family reunions, with 9,254 such arrivals in 2023, up from 7,762 the previous year. The measure aligns with efforts across Europe to manage migrant intakes better, as countries struggle with capacity issues. During a recent proposal unveiling, the EU also discussed a new migration policy aiming to expedite the deportation of rejected asylum seekers.

(With inputs from agencies.)