On 1 October, Austria’s new “Vorarlberg Code” came into force. Among other measures, it stipulates that asylum seekers must commit themselves to German language and values courses, or to carrying out community service, otherwise they will face consequences.

As early as September, the leadership of the province of Vorarlberg had created the legal basis for sanctions to be applied to asylum seekers from October. If, for example, asylum seekers refuse to attend language and values courses or to perform community service, their monthly allowance may be cut from the current 40 euros to 20 euros.

At present, the “Vorarlberg Code” affects around 600 people.

Asylum seekers may, for example, help in the laundry of the Nenzing retirement home or assist in erecting the stage and arranging seating in the town hall of Bludenz, explained provincial councillor Daniel Allgauer. A wide range of opportunities already exists, which the authorities plan to expand further in the future.

In Vorarlberg ist seit dem 1. Oktober ein neuer Kodex für Asylwerber in Kraft: Deutschkurse, Werteunterricht und Arbeitseinsätze sind nun Pflicht.https://t.co/QL0VBpzFlW

— Freilich Magazin (@freilichmagazin) October 3, 2025

Before the “Vorarlberg Code” came into effect, lawyers and non-governmental organisations had already raised concerns as to whether the reduction of social benefits could be reconciled with fundamental rights. The province of Vorarlberg, however, is not concerned that the new regulation could be challenged before the Constitutional Court.

The code prescribes compulsory community service as well as mandatory German language and values courses for asylum seekers. At present, a total of 560 people are affected by the “Vorarlberg Code.”

The code containing sanctions is now applicable, though there were prior concerns as to whether it was constitutional. The province, however, remains untroubled by the possibility of the regulation being brought before the Constitutional Court.