Austria to adopt Stricter asylum policy in mid-November

The Austrian government is to implement tougher asylum laws starting mid-November that include a "timed asylum" measure along with toughened family reunification rules.

The Interior Ministry, as represented by the center-right People's Party along with coalition partner the Social Democratic party, agreed on the new rules on Monday, Der Standard reported.

The timed asylum measures will allow for three years of asylum where it is granted. Should the situation in the country of origin of the asylum seeker stabilize, the refugee will be required to return. Should it not, the asylum status will be extended indefinitely.

The changed family reunification rules will primarily affect those who have not been granted asylum as per the Refugee Convention, but rather a kind of temporary subsidiary protection granted by Austria if they are in some kind of danger in their home country.

Such individuals, largely Afghan nationals, will now have to wait for three years to bring family to Austria, compared to a previous 12-month wait.

Those wishing to bring relatives to Austria will also have to prove they have sufficient accommodation for their trailing family members, along with a large enough income that the move would not put financial strain on the local municipality.

The only easing of rules will be in the case of unaccompanied minors.

Minister of the Interior Johanna Mikl-Leitner said the changes are a return to the "core" purpose of asylum, as a means of temporary protection, and away from its use as a means of immigration.
  Xinhua - globaltimes.cn
 3/11/15