Austria Sees 37% Drop in Asylum Claims After Syria Policy Change

Austria records significant drop in asylum applications

ANI March 23, 2025 190 views

Austria has witnessed a substantial 37% decline in asylum applications during February compared to the previous year. The decrease follows the government's controversial decision to suspend processing Syrian asylum claims and freeze family reunifications. Afghan nationals now represent the largest group of asylum seekers, with 568 applications submitted in February. These policy changes reflect Austria's shifting approach to managing migration flows and refugee acceptance.

"The decrease is primarily attributed to the Austrian government's decision to suspend asylum applications from Syrian nationals" - Federal Office for Immigration and Asylum

Vienna, March 22: Austria has recorded a notable decline in the number of asylum applications, with February witnessing a 37 percent drop compared to the same period last year, bringing the total to 1,397 applications.

Key Points

February asylum applications fell to 1,397, marking 37% year-over-year decrease

According to the Federal Office for Immigration and Asylum, the decrease is primarily attributed to the Austrian government's decision to suspend the processing of asylum applications submitted by Syrian nationals, except in exceptional cases.

This move was accompanied by a freeze on all family reunification requests for Syrian refugees residing in Austria.

Recent official statistics show that Afghan nationals topped the list of asylum seekers in February, with 568 applications submitted. (ANI/WAM)

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Austria Immigration Policy Asylum Seekers Syrian Refugees Afghan Refugees European Migration Vienna Immigration Statistics Family Reunification