Austria moves to block family reunification for asylum seekers: 'It creates a serious burden'

12punto FOREIGN NEWS

The Austrian government has announced that it is working on a new law that will prevent individuals with refugee status from bringing their immediate family members into the country through family reunification. The coalition government, formed between the People's Party (ÖVP), the Social Democratic Party (SPÖ), and the New Austria Party (NEOS), announced that the new regulation will reduce the flow of asylum seekers into the country.

In a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office, it was noted that individuals whose asylum applications have been accepted and who have received residence permits have been bringing their relatives into the country through family reunification. It was emphasized that the increase in the number of people arriving in the country through this method in recent years has exceeded Austria's capacity.

RATIONALE: MINOR IMMIGRANTS

The statement announced that the vast majority of those arriving through family reunification consist of minors. It was stated that this situation creates a serious burden on the country's health, education, and economic systems. Government officials pointed out that 9,254 people entered Austria through this method in 2023, and 7,762 people in 2024.

According to a Reuters report, the number of people arriving through family reunification has decreased as a result of measures taken by the previous government, such as DNA testing. While 1,000 people entered the country in February 2024, it was reported that this number dropped to 60 in the same period of 2025.

It was noted that the Austrian government decided to take restrictive steps against immigrants following the terrorist attacks that occurred in 2025. Two people died and 6 were injured in a knife attack in the country in February. According to Reuters, the government viewed 'irregular migration' as a significant factor in the terrorist attacks.

''A SITUATION THAT EXCEEDS AUSTRIA'S CAPACITY''

The government stated that a bill that does not conflict with European Union (EU) regulations will soon be implemented to prevent entries through family reunification. Interior Minister Gerhard Karner said that he has informed the relevant EU authorities on this matter. The new regulation is planned to be implemented as soon as possible.

Interior Minister Karner, claiming that asylum seekers are disrupting the country's infrastructure and social services, stated the following:

''This situation, which exceeds Austria's capacity, creates a serious burden for our country. We are taking steps to resolve this issue in accordance with EU legislation.''

It was noted that the new regulation aims to limit the entry of irregular immigrants into the country. The government argued that this step will reduce the pressure on Austria's social and economic systems in the long term.

News Source: 12punto