Minister Karner Confirms Family Reunification Suspension for a Year

Austria's Interior Minister, Gerhard Karner, has reiterated his expectation that the suspension of family reunification will remain in effect for a minimum of one year. During a recent interview, he emphasized that the government is currently working on legal measures to ensure the long-term implementation of this suspension.

Karner noted that while it is premature to discuss specific numbers regarding potential family reunifications under a future quota system, the current situation necessitates such measures. He defended the suspension, arguing that it is justified by the significant strain on Austria's immigration system, which he described as being 'massively overloaded.'

The Minister highlighted alarming statistics, stating that in some regions, up to 80 percent of children in certain classes do not speak German. Additionally, he pointed to a tenfold increase in youth crime among young Syrians over the past five years, with over 1,000 young Syrians aged under 14 identified as suspects in 2024 alone. As a result, family reunification requests fell dramatically, with only 60 applications recorded in February, a stark contrast to the 1,500 monthly applications observed in the previous year.

Karner asserted that the suspension would remain until the systems are adequately relieved and improved. He acknowledged progress in deportations, revealing that approximately 13,000 deportations were executed last year, with an additional 4,500 completed so far this year. However, he recognized the need for further improvement concerning the repatriation of Syrians, noting that while 250 individuals returned voluntarily, forced deportations remain complicated due to the uncertain political climate following the fall of the Assad regime. Karner remains committed to facilitating talks with the Syrian transitional government regarding safe repatriation processes, citing increased safety for certain demographic groups within Syria since the regime change.

On another note, Karner expressed optimism about reaching a swift resolution regarding the monitoring of messaging services. The Interior Ministry's proposal is already under review, and discussions are scheduled for an upcoming government retreat. He clarified that the intention behind this initiative is not mass surveillance but rather targeted monitoring of a limited number of cases--estimated to be between 30 and 50 annually--focused on individuals deemed a threat.

In terms of budgetary considerations, Karner was vague about potential cuts within his ministry in light of the government's plan to realize savings of 1.1 billion euros to avoid EU deficit proceedings. While he confirmed that discussions are ongoing, he firmly stated that security measures would not be compromised. Although he did not rule out reductions in overtime expenditures, Karner assured that police presence would remain unaffected. He indicated that the previous year saw the highest levels of overtime recorded, despite staffing levels being at their peak.

Additionally, he acknowledged potential savings in the asylum sector, citing the closure of 27 out of 35 federal care facilities due to measures aimed at curbing illegal migration.

The Freedom Party criticized Karner's statements, accusing him of merely engaging in rhetoric without delivering concrete actions. Party Secretary Michael Schnedlitz expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of proposed measures and opposed any reduction in police overtime, advocating for administrative savings instead.