The plan is ready: The Austrian government has approved a mandatory integration program for immigrants. The program includes stricter attendance of German language courses and preparation for the job market, and also introduces sanctions for those who do not participate in the program from day one.

Austria has made a federal decision to introduce a mandatory integration program starting from „day one” for immigrants. The program aims, among other things, to tighten the requirements of German language courses for asylum seekers who have obtained refugee status or are expected to receive residence permits. While this proposal marks the first step, full implementation will take time.

The mandatory integration program will last three years and apply to those who have received refugee status or subsidiary protection, as well as to those eligible or likely to be granted asylum.

In addition to mandatory German language courses — the completion of which must be proven with assessments — the program includes classes on basic societal rules and preparation for the job market.

Failure to attend the language courses may result in sanctions, including reimbursement of course costs, according to Exxpress.

Kabinett bringt erste Verschärfungen in der Migrationspolitik auf den Weg.

Die neue schwarz-rote Bundesregierung hat erste Maßnahmen zur Verschärfung der Migrationspolitik eingeleitet. Nur wenige Wochen nach ihrem Amtsantritt verabschiedete das Kabinett in Berlin zwei… pic.twitter.com/loAAFM9R2R

— Nachrichten aus aller Welt (@wirnachrichten) May 28, 2025

A key component of the program is the reform of social welfare assistance. Due to the scope of the changes, no specific timeline for implementation has yet been announced.

Yannick Shetty, a politician from NEOS, stated that a paradigm shift in the handling of refugees is underway — and must happen swiftly.

“A major project like the reform of social welfare needs to be carefully thought through,”

he emphasized. The implementation will involve federal ministries, provincial governments, the Austrian Integration Fund, and the Public Employment Service (AMS).

Tensions over Immigration Remain High

In Austria, especially in Vienna, tensions surrounding immigration continue to rise. Public outrage erupted recently when it was revealed that a Syrian refugee couple with eleven children living in Vienna receives €6,000 per month in social welfare, which includes housing support. In addition, they are entitled to over €2,000 in child benefits and receive tax breaks — effectively granting them an extra €3,000 monthly on top of the base aid.

This total income is unattainable even for dual-income households, according to the Krone newspaper, which added that the same family would receive even more in child-related benefits if they lived in the province of Vorarlberg.

In its 2024 budget, Vienna allocated over one billion euros (€1,094,533,344) to social spending. According to the city administration, the family in question is entitled to these benefits despite the father being employed. The city also stated that several other large refugee families live in the Austrian capital.