Austria Tightens Asylum Rules: Cracking Down on Fraud

In a major crackdown on potential abuse of the asylum system, the Austrian state of Lower Austria is introducing stricter measures for refugees. The provincial government will require refugees registered in private accommodations to report to authorities, a move aimed at making life as difficult as possible for fraudsters.

Starting September 1, refugees registered in private housing in Lower Austria will be subject to a new reporting obligation, according to Martin Antauer, the provincial government member responsible for security, immigration, and civil protection. The Freedom Party (FPÖ) politician stated that affected refugees will be required to appear in person at the district administrative office once a month. Failure to comply will result in the loss of all social benefits.

Antauer emphasised that it is “completely unacceptable for people to register in private accommodation to receive benefits at the expense of taxpayers, while they actually live elsewhere or even return to their home country for vacation.” He called on the federal government to act and implement a consistent asylum stop.

Udo Landbauer, the deputy governor and also a member of the FPÖ, echoed these sentiments, stating that Lower Austria “must be made as unattractive as possible for asylum seekers.” The measure is supported by the FPÖ’s coalition partner, the Austrian People’s Party (ÖVP).

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Source: Info

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