legal and social conditions for asylum seekers and refugees in ...

SOCIAL CONDITIONS FOR REFUGEES
Introduction
Housing
Recognised refugees receive a permanent residence permit in Austria. In addition to the rights
specifically provided for by the Asylum Law, they are entitled to almost all rights laid down in the
Geneva Convention of 1951. Except in the field of political rights, they acquire rights comparable
to those of Austrian citizens.
Convention refugees enjoy continuous protection under conditions which, in principle, are aimed
to give them the opportunity to integrate into Austrian society. In particular, refugees are entitled
to seek integration assistance from the Fund for the Integration of Refugees set up by the Ministry
of Interior, according to Section 41 of the Asylum Law, which reads:
(1) Refugees who have asylum may be granted integration assistance. The purpose of
integration assistance is to bring about their full involvement in the economic, cultural and
social life of Austria and greatest possible equality of opportunity with Austrian citizens in
these areas.
(2) Integration assistance shall, in particular, include: 1. Language courses; 2. Basic and
advanced training courses; 3. Events organised to provide an introduction to Austrian culture
and history; 4. Events arranged jointly with Austrian citizens to promote mutual
understanding; 5. Dissemination of information concerning the housing market; 6. Benefits
provided by the Refugee Integration Fund.
(3) Private, humanitarian and ecclesiastical organisations and voluntary welfare or local
authority institutions shall, to the extent possible, be called upon to furnish integration
assistance. The services to be provided shall be set out in a contract under private law,
which shall also regulate the reimbursement of costs.
Some 7,000 housing units are administered by the Fund for the Integration of Refugees. Needy
refugees as well as those considered vulnerable (single woman, single parents, families with
children, disabled and humanitarian cases) are given priority. Currently, this housing is rented
out. The Fund also provides refugees with grants for housing (renovation, payment of rent and
housing loans).
In Vienna and other parts of the country refugees have access to council housing.
Freedom of movement/residence
Refugees are free to settle wherever they wish and can travel inside and outside the country.
They are given an identity card when they are granted Convention status and a Convention
Travel Document is provided upon request.
Financial assistance
Refugees are entitled to receive the same social benefits as Austrian citizens.
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Austria