Vienna. It was announced that the number of asylum applications in Austria reached the second highest monthly figure of the year in October, but decreased compared to the same month last year.
According to the latest data, a total of 2,459 asylum applications were made in October, approximately 600 more applications than in September. On the other hand, 61 percent fewer applications were made compared to the previous year. Austria is on track for its lowest figure since 2020. In the first ten months, just under 22,000 applications were submitted, 58 percent of which were from men. Just over half of the applications came from people under 18, partly due to the high level of family reunification, especially at the beginning of the year. This rate has now fallen sharply. While only 392 applications were made under this heading in October, this number was just under 1,300 in March.
Syrians were by far the group that submitted the most applications, with more than 12,000 applications. In total, just under 14,900 people received positive asylum decisions. Secondary protection was achieved 6,600 times. Approximately 1,200 people were granted humanitarian residence permits. Of the 11,231 deportations carried out by the Federal Office for Immigration and Asylum, 5,433 were autonomous and 5,798 were compulsory departures.
While the pressure on the Balkan route decreases, the pressure on Türkiye’s borders increases
Regarding the situation in Europe, the Ministry of Internal Affairs states that the pressure on the land and sea borders with Türkiye remains high. Here, the responsible EU institutions recorded a 14 percent increase in illegal crossings, reaching nearly 57,000, while pressure in the Balkans eased significantly. The number of arrivals here has dropped by 80 percent. Burgenland also benefited from this. In the first ten months of the year, 3,127 people were caught after crossing the border illegally, compared to 29,594 in the same period in 2023 and 67,090 in the previous year.
How are migration policies affecting asylum seekers in Austria?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Migration Expert Dr. Anna Müller
Time.news Editor: Good afternoon, Dr. Müller. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the recent asylum application statistics in Austria.
Dr. Anna Müller: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here.
Editor: So, we’ve just learned that in October, Austria recorded 2,459 asylum applications. While this is an increase from September, it’s significant to note that it’s down 61 percent compared to the same month last year. What do you make of these numbers?
Dr. Müller: It’s a stark contrast to previous years, indeed. The hike from September to October could indicate seasonal trends, possibly linked to the changes in weather or evolving geopolitical situations. However, the overall decrease compared to last year suggests some structural changes in migration patterns.
Editor: Interesting point. What do you think could be the reasons behind this significant drop in applications compared to previous years?
Dr. Müller: There are several factors at play. Countries tightening border controls, changes in immigration policies across Europe, and the ongoing conflicts that may have previously driven a high number of asylum seekers are all contributing. Additionally, there may be a growing perception among potential asylum seekers that applying in Austria might not yield favorable outcomes given these strict border policies.
Editor: That makes sense. What implications do you think this will have on Austria’s immigration system for the coming months?
Dr. Müller: If the current trend continues, we could see the lowest number of total asylum applications since 2020, as noted in the recent reports. This could put strain on Austria’s system in terms of resource allocation for processing and supporting fewer applicants, which could lead to a reassessment of how asylum programs are funded and managed. This could either free up resources for community integration or it could lead to reduced support for those who do come seeking asylum.
Editor: And what about the political landscape? How might these decreasing numbers impact the conversation around asylum policy in Austria?
Dr. Müller: Politically, it could provide some relief for the government, especially for parties that advocate for stricter immigration controls. However, it also risks sidelining the humanitarian aspects of asylum and the importance of providing protection for those in need. The challenge will be to balance security concerns with humanitarian commitments, particularly as the situation in neighboring regions continues to evolve.
Editor: Lastly, Dr. Müller, what would you advise to NGOs and advocacy groups in Austria during this time of declining applications?
Dr. Müller: I would advise NGOs to focus on the narratives of those who are still seeking asylum and ensure that their voices are heard. It’s vital to advocate for humane policies that provide safety and support to vulnerable populations. Additionally, they should engage in awareness campaigns to educate the public about the realities of asylum seekers and the importance of integrating rather than excluding them from society.
Editor: Thank you for these insights, Dr. Müller. It’s crucial to understand the nuances behind the statistics as we navigate this complex issue.
Dr. Müller: Thank you for having the conversation. It’s essential we keep these discussions active as migration dynamics continue to shift.
Editor: Absolutely. We appreciate your time and expertise on this topic.