Austria to tighten criteria for Ukrainian refugees’ social support

Austria is set to tighten the criteria for social assistance provided to Ukrainian refugees, said Federal Minister for Family Affairs, Youth, EU and Integration Claudia Plakolm.

Plakolm explained that the country will introduce clearer guidelines on who will be eligible for family support in the future, Caliber.Az reports citing foreign media.

“There are increasing cases of people arriving in Austria with a Ukrainian passport who do not live in the territories where hostilities are taking place and do not speak Russian or Ukrainian,” Plakolm said.

“I do not want our system and measures to support families to become a factor in attracting them to Austria. Therefore, we will prepare clear criteria on who will be eligible for family support in the future.”

The minister also noted that certain groups, such as representatives from the Romani and Sinti branches of the Gypsy community, might be excluded from receiving family benefits in the future.

Despite these changes, Plakolm emphasized that those who are genuinely fleeing the war in Ukraine will continue to receive support. However, she added, “The willingness of Austrians to help should not be abused.” The current criteria for assistance will remain in place until October 2025.

This shift in policy comes as Austria seeks to ensure that social assistance is directed toward those most in need, while preventing misuse of the country’s support system.

By Vafa Guliyeva