Studies

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.

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.

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.

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.

The study describes the current state of unaccompanied minors in Austria with regard to legislation and practices. It also presents available statistics on this topic. A number of relevant areas are covered: entry, residence, asylum procedure, age assessment, guardianship, legal advice, accommodation, reception conditions, healthcare, education, vocational training, employment, integration support, absconding, legal age, return and reintegration. Thereby, the study highlights developments in these areas that took place over the last five years, between 2010 and 2014.

The study provides an analysis of the conditions in place in Austria that regulate the admission for business purposes from third-countries. Specifically it addresses three broad areas: the admission of non- EU investors and of non-EU business owners who are not yet resident in the EU, and the admission of other third-country national business persons who travel to the EU Thereby, the study elaborates on the Austrian framework and focuses particularly on the Austrian "Red-White-Red Card" System.

This study describes the role of entry bans and readmission agreements to support Austria's return policy. Legal regulations concerning entry bans are examined, particularly in connection with return decisions. Various aspects regarding the practical application of entry bans are also analysed. After providing a comprehensive overview of existing readmission agreements, some challenges in their implementation are discussed. Finally, possible synergies between entry bans and readmission agreements on the one hand, and reintegration assistance on the other hand, are also explored.

The study mainly covers legal aspects and practices of detention and alternatives to detention in Austria. It describes the grounds on which persons can be detained for the purpose of removal, outlines the conditions for alternatives to detention, and provides insight into the practical organization of detention and alternatives to detention in Austria. Furthermore, it presents available statistics and deals with the question of what kind of influence detention and its alternatives have on asylum and return procedures.

This study describes third-country nationals' access to social security in Austria. In this context, the study presents migration-specific provisions, relevant bilateral agreements with third countries and available statistics.

The Study "Trafficked Persons as Asylum-Seekers - The Process of Identification and Access to Residence Rights in Austria" deals on the one hand with the identification of trafficked persons who seek asylum in Austria. In this regard, the study focuses on the role of state institutions. On the other hand, the study explores trafficked persons' access to residence rights in Austria. Currently available options are analysed and compared using case law.