Concerned About the Emigration of Skilled Workers, Says Federation of Austrian Industries
From 2011 to 2023, about 1.4 million people left Austria - including over 170,000 permanently employed skilled workers who were already integrated into the labor market, as a study by migration researcher Rainer Münz commissioned by the Federation of Austrian Industries (IV) shows. Many of the emigrants came from wealthy EU and OECD countries.
Head of the Federation of Austrian Industries sees "structural location disadvantages" as the reason for the emigration of skilled workers
However, immigration to Austria has been stronger than emigration in recent years. In total, around 2.2 million people have newly or re-entered the country between 2011 and 2023, according to the IV in response to an APA inquiry with reference to the report. "While highly qualified EU immigrants leave the country disproportionately often, less well-integrated people tend to stay longer in Austria," said the Federation of Austrian Industries.
Total numbers on skilled worker immigration to Austria were not specified in the study. However, of those who immigrated between 2017 and 2019, more than half had emigrated again after four years, according to the analysis. "This is not a problem of lack of willingness to integrate, but an expression of structural location disadvantages: too high taxes, too much bureaucracy, too little perspective," said IV President Georg Knill in a statement.
Federation of Austrian Industries for reduction of non-wage labor costs and simplification of the Red-White-Red Card
"To achieve a turnaround and keep international qualified workers in the country longer, we need to work on the location's framework conditions," said the IV head. This includes reducing non-wage labor costs, accelerating and simplifying the procedures for the Red-White-Red Card. "Equally important are high-quality childcare services and a genuine welcoming culture," explained the industry representative.
Integration Minister Claudia Plakolm (ÖVP) referred to changes in migration and labor market policy in response to the IV study. "With our realignment, employment from day 1 will become a core part of the integration program," said Plakolm in a statement. Every asylum seeker with a high probability of recognition will be "prepared for the labor market from the start." The plan is to strengthen the involvement of the Integration Fund's skilled worker service, simplify recognition procedures, and closely collaborate with the Ministry of Economic Affairs and social partners in an expert forum.
(APA/Red)
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