Vienna: The Austrian Parliament has approved new legislation that halts the family reunification of individuals who have been granted asylum or subsidiary protection in Austria, marking a significant shift in the nation's approach to asylum and immigration policies.
According to Emirates News Agency, the Parliament's ratification of the new law was supported by the votes of the ruling three-party coalition, led by the People's Party in alliance with the Socialist and Liberal parties. The coalition highlighted the necessity of implementing the law's mechanisms, particularly focusing on exceptions related to the care of children and youth whose custodial parents remain in their country of origin.
The ruling coalition justified the enactment of the law by pointing to challenges occurring in schools, which are experiencing difficulties in dealing with refugee children due to their lack of proficiency in the German language. The coalition asserted that addressing these issues was imperative to maintain the quality of education and social integration within the country.