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Austria’s demographic landscape is undergoing a historic shift. New data from Statistik Austria shows that 2.55 million people in the country now have a migration background — a dramatic increase of one million compared to 16 years ago. This means 28.2 percent of the population has roots outside Austria, marking one of the most significant demographic changes in recent decades.
Who Makes Up Austria’s Migrant Population?
- First generation migrants: Around 1.8 million people were born abroad, as were both of their parents.
- Second generation migrants: 652,000 individuals were born in Austria but have at least one parent born abroad.
- Foreign nationals: 1.9 million residents hold a foreign passport — 20.4 percent of the total population.
The largest groups remain Germans (242,300), followed by Romanians (157,700) and Turkish nationals (123,400). Syrians (114,000) now represent the sixth‑largest foreign community, reflecting recent migration waves.
Belonging and Identity
Despite political debates around integration, 75 percent of people born abroad say they feel they belong to Austria. This sense of attachment is particularly strong among long‑term residents and those who arrived for work or family reunification.
⚖️ Political Response: Calls for Reform
At the presentation of the new figures, Integration Minister Claudia Bauer renewed pressure to advance two major policy reforms:
- Social assistance reform
- Integration obligations law
Both legislative packages, Bauer said, must be finalized by October to take effect at the start of next year. She argued that updated rules are needed to reflect Austria’s changing population and to strengthen pathways into employment and society.
Why These Numbers Matter
Austria’s growing diversity is reshaping schools, workplaces, and communities. The sharp rise in migration background reflects:
- Long-term labor recruitment
- EU free movement
- Refugee arrivals
- Family reunification
- Austria’s attractiveness as a place to live and work
The new data also highlights the need for policies that balance integration support with social cohesion — a debate likely to intensify as the country approaches key legislative deadlines.
- source: krone.at/picture: pixabay.com
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