The number of crimes committed by migrants under the age of 14 has dramatically increased in Austria, especially among young Syrians.

The tendency toward violence among young migrants is surging at an alarming rate – as shown by the latest data. In just five years, the number of Syrian children under 14 suspected of crimes has increased tenfold, from 150 to 1,050 recorded last year. Overall, youth crime of this age group has nearly doubled during this period, from 6,900 to 12,900 reported cases. And a rise is also visible among 14 to 18-year-olds, with numbers increasing from 30,200 to 34,800. Interior Minister Gerhard Karner of the People’s Party (OVP), responded to the latest crime statistics at a press conference:

“When children and teenagers become criminals because the system is clearly overwhelmed, we have a responsibility to hit the stop button.”

As a result, family reunification from Syria will be suspended—for at least another year. Karner said this measure is already showing results: while 400 Syrian entries were approved in September, only 14 were approved in January.

The Social System Fuels the Problem

The degree of defectiveness in Austria’s immigration policy can also be seen in how easily migrants can access large amounts of money. While Austria struggles with a massive budget deficit, Vienna has once again sparked outrage: care for unaccompanied refugeeminors (UMFs) with mental health issues in the capital can cost up to €603 per day – or €18,000 per asylum seeker per month. According to the Vienna city government, there are currently five such youth housed in specialized institutions. These five individuals cost taxpayers around €1.1 million per year.

A dramatic comparison has been put out in Austria: a convicted criminal in prison costs around €180 per day, while a hospital stay costs between €200 and €300 per day. Even the most intensive care for the elderly amounts to €7,000 to €8,000 per month less than what is being paid for the special care of unaccompanied refugee minors.