Seasonal Workers from Third Countries in Austria

This study provides an overview of Austria’s experience with the admission and employment of seasonal workers from third countries since 2016. The first part of the study describes in detail the Austrian seasonal workers model and related data. The study begins with the question of the extent to which seasonal workers are needed to meet Austria’s labour demands. The second part describes the rights and duties of seasonal and harvest workers, while also discussing the corresponding means of upholding and implementing these in Austria. In view of the current situation, the study finally addresses the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the employment of seasonal workers from third countries.