Austria – 2020 Annual Policy Report

Original Language
English
ISBN (PDF)
978-3-9504928-2-8
Number of Pages
84
Reference Number
PUB2021/101/R
Date of upload

20 jan 2022

Austria – 2020 Annual Policy Report

The Annual Policy Report 2020 provides an overview of migration and asylum-related developments and debates in Austria. A main development in 2020 was the inauguration of a new Federal Government, ushering in changes in migration and asylum policy, as outlined in the Government Programme 2020–2024. The recently established Federal Agency for Reception and Support Services took over responsibility as of 1 December 2020 for administrating material reception conditions to applicants of international protection under federal care. Overall, developments in 2020 were driven by the COVID-19 pandemic and related mobility restrictions. For example, to ensure a continued food supply as well as to cover the demand for nursing services, special arrangements were found for certain key workers in agriculture or in medical and care services to allow entry to Austria and to facilitate the renewal and issue of work permits. 

  • EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
  • 1 INTRODUCTION 
    • 1.1 Purpose 
    • 1.2 Methodology and definitions 
  • 2 OVERVIEW OF ASYLUM AND MIGRATION POLICY DEVELOPMENTS 
    • 2.1 General developments and overarching changes 
    • 2.2 Migration and asylum in light of the COVID-19 pandemic 
  • 3 REGULAR MIGRATION 
    • 3.1 Statistical developments relating to regular migration 
    • 3.2 Overarching changes relating to regular migration pathways 
    • 3.3 Work-related migration 
      • 3.3.1 Red-White-Red Card and shortage occupations: Highly qualified and skilled workers 
      • 3.3.2 Satisfying labour demand during COVID-19: Seasonal workers and care workers 
    • 3.4 International students and researchers
    • 3.5 Other developments regarding family reunification and legal stay 
  • 4 INTERNATIONAL PROTECTION 
    • 4.1 Statistical developments and access to the asylum procedure 
    • 4.2 Reception of applicants of international protection 
    • 4.3 Asylum procedure 
      • 4.3.1 Legal assistance 
      • 4.3.2 Timeframe and case management 
    • 4.4 Resettlement and relocation 
    • 4.5 Withdrawal of international protection 
  • 5 MINORS AND OTHER VULNERABLE GROUPS 
    • 5.1 Minors 
      • 5.1.1 Safeguarding unaccompanied minors in the asylum system 
      • 5.1.2 Integration of minors 
    • 5.2 Other vulnerable groups 
  • 6 INTEGRATION 
    • 6.1 Statistical trends on integration 
    • 6.2 National integration strategy and general developments 
    • 6.3 Language acquisition and education 
    • 6.4 Labour market integration and skills development 
    • 6.5 Basic services in relation to COVID-19 
    • 6.6 Fighting racism and discrimination 
  • 7 CITIZENSHIP 
    • 7.1 Statistical trends and “democracy deficit” 
    • 7.2 Aquisition of citizenship 
  • 8 BORDERS, VISA AND SCHENGEN 
    • 8.1 Statistical overview and visa policy 
    • 8.2 Schengen governance 
    • 8.3 International cooperation and border management 
  • 9 IRREGULAR MIGRATION INCLUDING MIGRANT SMUGGLING 
    • 9.1 Statistical trends and general developments 
    • 9.2 Combating migrant smuggling and prevention of irregular migration 
      • 9.2.1 Efforts in Austria 
      • 9.2.2 Efforts in cooperation with third countries 
    • 9.3 Migrants staying irregularly in Austria 
  • 10 TRAFFICKING IN HUMAN BEINGS 
    • 10.1 Statistical developments relating to trafficking in human beings 
    • 10.2 National strategy and priorities 
    • 10.3 Improving provision of information to and identification of trafficked persons 
      • 10.3.1 Trainings, awareness-raising and support measures 
      • 10.3.2 Measures on international cooperation 
  • 11 RETURN AND READMISSION 
    • 11.1 General developments in the area of return 
    • 11.2 Assisted voluntary return and reintegration (AVRR)
    • 11.3 Forced return including Dublin transfers 
  • 12 MIGRATION AND DEVELOPMENT COOPERATION 
  • 13 ANNEXES 
    • 13.1 List of translations and abbreviations 
    • 13.2 References