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Austria's Asylum Applications Plummet 36% in 2025, Focus Shifts to EU-External Processing

Austria experienced a sharp 36% year-on-year decline in asylum applications during 2025, with just over 16,000 submissions. The largest groups of applicants came from Afghanistan and Syria, while authorities granted protection or residence permits in thousands of cases. Interior Minister Gerhard Karner reported a record number of deportations and revealed a new strategy to establish asylum processing "return centres" outside the European Union. A working group with Germany, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Greece will collaborate on this plan and tackle the implementation of the upcoming EU Migration Pact.

Key Points: Austria Asylum Applications Drop 36%, Deportations Hit Record

  • Asylum applications fell 36% in 2025
  • Afghan, Syrian nationals top applicant list
  • Record high deportations and returns achieved
  • New "return centres" planned outside EU
  • Multi-nation working group formed for migration pact
1 min read

Sharp decline in asylum applications to Austria in 2025

Austria sees 36% fewer asylum claims in 2025, with record deportations. Interior Minister announces plan for EU-external "return centres" with European partners.

"a major challenge for 2026 - Gerhard Karner on new EU Migration Pact"

Vienna, January 25

The number of asylum applications submitted in Austria fell by 36 per cent year-on-year in 2025, reaching 16,284 applications.

Afghan nationals topped the list of asylum applicants, followed by Syrians. According to the latest official data, the Austrian authorities approved asylum or subsidiary protection for 11,384 cases, in addition to granting 1,315 humanitarian residence permits.

Austria's Federal Minister for the Interior, Gerhard Karner, revealed that deportations and returns of offenders recorded a new record last year, totalling 14,156 cases.

Karner said Austria will in the future focus on establishing "return centres" to receive and process asylum applications and procedures outside the European Union.

He explained that a working group comprising Austria, Germany, Denmark, the Netherlands and Greece will work to achieve this goal, describing the implementation of the new European Migration Pact, which enters into force on 12th June, as a "major challenge" for 2026.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
A 36% drop is significant! The focus on 'return centres' outside the EU is a bold move. While managing borders is important, I hope the process remains humane. The numbers from Afghanistan and Syria are a sad reminder of the ongoing crises there. 🙏
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Aman W
Every country has the right to secure its borders and decide its immigration policy. Austria's data shows a clear policy is working. India could learn from such structured data-driven approaches to manage its own challenges.
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Sarah B
While I understand the need for order, the record number of deportations (over 14,000!) is concerning. Creating centres outside the EU could make it harder for genuine refugees to seek safety. This needs careful, compassionate implementation.
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Karthik V
The working group with Germany, Denmark etc. shows Europe is getting serious. It's a global issue. Hopefully, they also address the root causes—why are people fleeing Afghanistan and Syria? Until that's fixed, the pressure will continue.
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Nikhil C
They approved protection for over 11,000 cases, which is good. But the tone of the minister is very focused on rejection and return. A country's reputation is also built on compassion. A more welcoming message would be better, yaar.

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