The government formally agreed on a pause in family reunification for refugees on Wednesday. "The political will is established," stated Interior Minister Gerhard Karner (ÖVP) at the press briefing after the cabinet meeting. The legal experts of his department are now to create an appropriate legal regulation. An integration barometer is also to be developed, which will serve as a basis for the future quota of reunification.

60 Applications for Family Reunification

Currently, family reunification is not such a big issue. According to Karner, only 60 corresponding applications were submitted in February. This is likely due to the fact that applications from Syrians have not been processed since the change of power in Damascus. Karner refers to measures he has implemented for stricter examination in granting reunification.

There have certainly been other times. In February of last year, there were nearly 1,000 applications. Such situations are being avoided. Chancellor Christian Stocker (ÖVP) argued: "If we always wait for the numbers to be as high as in the past, we will never create a prophylaxis."

Karner Sees "Enormously Important Decision"

The Prime Minister stated that in the meantime, a load had been reached that had overloaded the systems. A temporary suspension is therefore necessary to ensure that the systems' functionality is not impaired. Karner argued with problems in the areas of housing, education, and the labor market. The Minister of the Interior also addressed youth crime. Therefore, today is an "extremely important decision."

The steps now planned were not possible with the previous coalition partner. Therefore, they are being implemented now, emphasized Karner. Central to this is the creation of an integration barometer specifically for family reunification. This should serve as the basis for the planned quota system, which is to follow the complete stop eventually. The barometer is intended to reflect the burdens on the individual systems (including internal affairs, education, health, social affairs, housing, labor market, economy, and demographic parameters).

Leichtfried Supports Decision

State Secretary Jörg Leichtfried (SPÖ) also supported the decision. The SPÖ's goal in the asylum area is humanity and order. Irregular migration should be reduced to zero. With today's decision, solutions are beginning to be found. However, he also called for solidarity from Europe as a whole in tackling the problems.

The NEOS-appointed State Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Josef Schellhorn, also committed to the project. However, it also requires the best possible integration and the best possible German support classes.

(APA/Red)

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