The National Contact Points of the European Migration Network (EMN) prepare several studies on migration and asylum-related issues each year based on common study template. EMN studies are elaborated in accordance with uniform specifications in order to achieve comparable results EU-wide. With the help of an external service provider, the European Commission publishes a Synthesis Report summarizing the main findings from the studies prepared by the National Contact Points.

EMN Study: The Establishment of Identity in the Austrian Migration Process

The study focuses on the establishment of the identities of third-country nationals in procedures under aliens law. Identity is defined as a set of characteristics related to a person which makes it possible to individualize that person. Such characteristics include the person’s name, date and place of birth, nationality, origin and biometric characteristics. This study covers both, identity establishment procedures for third-country nationals for granting residence permits and visas as well as for returning migrants.

EMN Study: Family Reunification of Third-Country Nationals in Austria

The topic of this study is family reunification of third-country nationals in Austria. Main parts of the study are dedicated to the requirements and the procedure for family reunification. Additionally, the rights and duties of family members after their arrival in Austria are dealt with. The study also highlights recent developments, challenges and good practices in this field. In a separate chapter, important court rulings with respect to family reunification are presented and commented upon. Statistical information is also included in a separate chapter. 

EMN Study: Illegal Employment of Third-Country Nationals in Austria

This study deals with illegal employment of third-country nationals in Austria. Illegal employment is defined as an economic activity carried out in violation of provisions set forth in legislation, specifically the Act Governing the Employment of Foreigners. In particular, the study takes a look at the following aspects of illegal employment: (i) prevention measures, (ii) identification of illegal employment, (iii) sanctions for employers, and (iv) consequences for third-country nationals found to be working illegally. The study also presents available statistical data and highlights challenges and good practices.

EMN Study: The Return of Rejected Asylum-Seekers from Austria

This study deals with the voluntary or forced return of rejected applicants for international protection from Austria. In particular, the study describes the relationship between the asylum procedure and the return of rejected asylum-seekers. Further, the study elaborates on challenges to the return of rejected asylum-seekers and how these challenges may be overcome or mitigated. Another main topic are rejected asylum-seekers who cannot be removed for the time being. Additionally, the study discusses practices and policies in Austria that may be regarded as good practices.

EMN Study: Resettlement and the Humanitarian Admission Programme in Austria

This study provides an overview on Resettlement and the Austrian Humanitarian Admission Programme for especially vulnerable Syrian refugees. The first and second part of the Humanitarian Admission Programme (HAP I and HAP II) are examined in the context of developments at the global, European and Austrian level. After a presentation of the legal framework, the main actors are introduced. The study also describes the process and funding of both parts of the programme and presents statistics as well as experiences in implementing the programme.

EMN Study: Changes of immigration status and purpose of residence in Austria

This study deals with options for changing residence status in Austria without having to leave the country. After giving an overview of the respective admission criteria in each case, the study elaborates on the possibilities of changing an existing residence permit. Furthermore, the question of whether a change of immigration status brings about specific legal advantages or disadvantages is also examined. In particular, the policy objectives underlying the provisions on changes of purpose are discussed.

EMN Study: Integration of Beneficiaries of International Protection and Holders of Humanitarian Residence Titles into the Labour Market: Policies and Measures in Austria

This study focuses on the integration of beneficiaries of international protection (persons granted asylum and beneficiaries of subsidiary protection) and persons who have been issued a humanitarian residence title in the framework of an asylum procedure into the labour market. The study provides an overview of state-funded measures that promote the labour market integration of the target group. Therein, it indicates to what extent these measures are tailored to the specific needs of the target group and whether they are eligible to access these measures. In addition, the availability of statistics is addressed.

EMN Study: The Organization of Asylum and Migration Policies in Austria

The study provides an overview of the Austrian asylum and migration policies. In particular, the study deals with the most relevant institutions involved and the modern development of the Austrian asylum and migration system. Subsequently, the study elaborates on the current situation in the fields of migration, asylum and return of third-country nationals. Further, issues in relation to health, gender, education, development, migrant smuggling and human trafficking are dealt with.

EMN Study: Dissemination of Information on Voluntary Return within Austria: How to reach irregular Migrants not in contact with the Authorities

The study analyses the question, of how irregular Migrants who are not in contact with the authorities can be reached to provide them with information on voluntary return. After a presentation of the relevant provisions of Austrian law, the study focuses on the relevant groups of irregular migrants and the actors involved in disseminating information on voluntary return. A specific focus is placed on the tools used to disseminate information and related challenges are also analysed. The study closes with a chapter on statistical data and estimates of irregular migration in Austria and a summary of the major findings.

EMN Study: Determining Labour Shortages and the Need for Labour Migration from Third Countries in Austria

The study provides an overview of national labour migration policies and analyses whether they are linked to identified labour shortages, and, if so, in what way. It further investigates the instruments used to identify labour shortages and the need for labour migration, such as lists of shortage occupations. A special focus in this regard is placed on the role of the social partners. This is followed by a presentation of the results of the application of those instruments, i.e. current labour shortages and the need for labour migration in Austria.