This decision comes in the wake of rising anti-immigration sentiment and significant electoral success of the far-right Freedom Party (FPÖ), which has influenced the current government's immigration policies.

The EU Court of Justice recently ruled that Hungary must correct the gender status of a transgender man in its asylum register, highlighting ongoing issues of legal recognition for marginalized groups.

Austria has announced a pause on family reunifications for asylum seekers, set to begin in May 2025, making it the first EU country to implement such a measure.

Integration Minister Claudia Plakolm highlighted that the integration of new arrivals is becoming increasingly challenging, particularly regarding language acquisition and employment opportunities.

In related developments, Germany's Interior Minister reiterated support for Jordan in hosting refugees, while exploring options for their voluntary return.

The conservative-led government, under pressure to curb immigration, plans to amend legislation that would empower the Interior Ministry to halt new asylum applications.

The proposed decree to halt family reunifications is expected to last for six months initially, with the possibility of extension until May 2027.

Human rights organizations have criticized the government's decision, arguing that there is no emergency situation justifying the suspension of family reunification.

Plakolm stated that the pause is necessary due to the limits of Austria's integration systems and the growing anti-immigration sentiment.

In recent years, Austria has seen a significant increase in family reunifications, with approximately 9,300 arrivals in 2023, primarily from Syria.

Austria had already suspended family reunification for Syrians since December 2024, citing a need to reassess the security situation in Syria.

Chancellor Christian Stocker, who took office in early March 2025, faces mounting pressure to maintain strict immigration measures amidst the rise of far-right sentiments in Austria.