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Vienna — Austria’s government is preparing a sweeping new “Integration Obligations Act” that would impose steep fines — and even short jail sentences — on asylum seekers and individuals with subsidiary protection status who repeatedly fail to participate in mandatory integration programs.
According to a 33‑page draft obtained by Heute, penalties could reach €5,000 or up to three weeks in prison for those who repeatedly skip required courses or exams. The proposal comes amid government concerns about what officials describe as widespread non-compliance.
48,000 Unemployed, Thousands Dropping Out of Courses
The Ministry of Integration points to 48,000 unemployed asylum seekers and people with subsidiary protection, alongside nearly 13,000 unexcused dropouts from German-language and values courses each year, as evidence that the current system is not working.
“The voluntary approach has failed spectacularly,” said Integration Minister Claudia Bauer (ÖVP) in an interview with Heute. “Integration does not work without clear rules and consequences.”
What the Draft Law Proposes
The new legislation would introduce a tiered system of penalties:
🔹 Skipping Integration Counseling or Refusing to Sign the Values Charter
- Fine: €250–€1,500
- Alternative: Up to two weeks in jail
- The “Values Charter” includes commitments to gender equality and the rule of law.
🔹 Repeatedly Missing Courses or Exams
- Fine: €1,500–€5,000
- Alternative: Up to three weeks in jail
🔹 Cheating on Values Exams
- Fine: Up to €1,000
🔹 Claiming to Have Passed Courses Without Required Knowledge
- Fine: €1,000–€5,000
Bauer argues that the measures are necessary:
“Anyone who wants to live in Austria must learn German, work, and respect our rules and values. Integration is not an offer — it is an obligation.”
Coalition Tensions Slow Progress
Although the draft has been in coalition coordination since 20 February, Bauer says there has been no response yet from the SPÖ or NEOS. Social Affairs Minister Korinna Schumann (SPÖ) is simultaneously grappling with reforms to social assistance, including benefit cuts for large families and the introduction of a child basic security scheme.
According to coalition insiders, all three components of the broader “Social Assistance Reform” are currently stalled.
- source: heute.at/picture: Image by Katja Fissel from Pixabay
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