2024-10-26 06:25:00
2.038 million people of foreign birth lived in Austria at the beginning of 2024, which corresponds to 22.3% of the total population, more than one in five people in the country. In a five-year comparison since the beginning of 2019, the proportion of the population born abroad has increased by 2.7 percentage points. Most people in this group were born in Germany (265,100), Bosnia-Herzegovina (178,900) and Turkey (165,300). Around 195,000 people immigrated to Austria from abroad in 2023 (2022: 261,900) and around 128,300 people emigrated abroad (2022: 125,000). With almost 19,800 immigrants, German nationals made up the largest group, followed by people from Romania (19,300), Ukraine (15,700) and Syria (15,200).
Over 40 percent of Vienna’s population was born abroad
The proportion of the population with a foreign place of birth in the state’s total population was highest in Vienna at 40.2 percent – almost 806,200 people with a foreign place of birth lived in Vienna at the beginning of 2024. Measured against the total population, after Vienna, the most people of foreign birth lived in Vorarlberg (23.2%), Salzburg (21.7%) and Tyrol (20.9%). The lowest proportion was recorded in Burgenland at 13.6 percent. In a five-year comparison, the federal states of Styria (+23.0%), Burgenland (+22.8%) and Carinthia (+20.9%) recorded the largest increase in people born abroad. The lowest increase was in Tyrol (+15.1%) and Vorarlberg (+14.8%).
Unemployment among foreigners is highest in Vienna and Carinthia
The unemployment rate in Austria was 6.4 percent in 2023, which corresponds to a slight increase of 0.1 percentage points compared to the previous year. Foreigners are still more likely to be unemployed than nationals. While the unemployment rate among Austrian citizens fell from 5.4 percent in 2022 to 5.3 percent in 2023, the rate among foreign nationals rose from 9.1 percent in 2022 to 9.6 percent in 2023. Especially This difference is clearly visible in Vienna and Carinthia. In Vienna, the unemployment rate for Austrians was 8.1 percent and for foreigners 15.1 percent, meaning both values exceeded the Austrian average. In Carinthia there was also an increased unemployment rate for Austrians at 6.6 percent and for foreigners at 8.8 percent. Burgenland, on the other hand, recorded the lowest unemployment rate among foreign citizens at 4.8 percent, followed by Tyrol at 5.2 percent.
More than a quarter of the students speak a colloquial language other than German
In the 2022/23 school year, 27.0 percent of Austrian students had a first language other than German, which represents a slight increase of 1.0 percentage points compared to 2017/18. However, the distribution of these students varies greatly between school types.
At special schools and polytechnic schools, the proportion of students with a non-German first language was particularly high – at 42.9 percent and 38.9 percent, respectively. At 34.8 percent, the proportion at new middle schools was also above average. In contrast, only around half as many, namely 21.0 percent of students at an AHS and 19.7 percent at a BHS, had a first language other than German. The lowest proportion was recorded at vocational schools, where only 13.7 percent of students stated a language other than German as their first language. In Vienna the proportion of students with a non-German first language was highest at 51.7 percent, while it was lowest in Carinthia at 16.6 percent.
ÖIF publications to download
The Austrian Integration Fund (ÖIF) continually provides figures, data and facts on the topics of migration and asylum in various publication series. The information brochure “Federal States” is published annually. It presents current figures and information on the origins and migration movements of refugees and migrants as well as on the areas of the labor market, education and language in all nine federal states of Austria in a compact and clear manner and provides a direct comparison with the last five years. The brochure is available in the media library on the Integration Fund’s homepage for download available.
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Interview with Dr. Anna Schwarz, Demographer and Migration Expert
Editor: Welcome, Dr. Schwarz. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the recent statistics on foreign-born populations in Austria.
Dr. Schwarz: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here.
Editor: At the beginning of 2024, it was reported that 22.3% of Austria’s total population is of foreign birth. How does this figure reflect the broader trends in migration to Austria over the past five years?
Dr. Schwarz: The increase of 2.7 percentage points in just five years indicates that Austria is becoming increasingly multicultural. This rise can be attributed to both economic opportunities and Austria’s reputation for being a welcoming country for immigrants.
Editor: You mentioned the top countries of origin for these foreign-born residents. Could you elaborate on the significance of these demographics?
Dr. Schwarz: Certainly. The fact that the largest groups come from Germany, Bosnia-Herzegovina, and Turkey underscores historical ties and economic connections. Turkish immigration, for example, has deep roots dating back to the 1960s. This diversity enriches Austrian society but also brings challenges in integration and social cohesion.
Editor: Vienna stands out, with over 40% of its population born abroad. What impact does this have on the city’s social fabric?
Dr. Schwarz: Vienna’s high percentage of foreign-born residents adds a dynamic layer to its cultural scene, fostering diversity in arts, cuisine, and business. However, it also necessitates focused policies in education, housing, and employment to ensure that all citizens, regardless of their background, can thrive together.
Editor: Speaking of employment, the unemployment rate among foreigners is notably higher than that of Austrian citizens. What do you see as the primary challenges contributing to this disparity?
Dr. Schwarz: The higher unemployment rates among foreign nationals can often be attributed to language barriers, recognition of qualifications, and discrimination in the labor market. In urban areas like Vienna, where foreign demographics are sizeable, access to job training and integration programs is crucial.
Editor: Additionally, it was reported that over a quarter of students speak a language other than German at home. How does this multilingual reality influence the education system in Austria?
Dr. Schwarz: This multilingualism presents both challenges and opportunities. On one hand, it requires schools to adapt their teaching methods to support students with diverse linguistic backgrounds. On the other hand, it can enhance cognitive flexibility and cultural awareness among all students. Schools need to embrace this diversity to cultivate an inclusive learning environment.
Editor: Dr. Schwarz, thank you for your insights on these important issues. It’s clear that Austria is at a significant demographic crossroads, and the policies we implement now will shape the society of tomorrow.
Dr. Schwarz: Absolutely. It’s vital for policymakers to focus on integration and support systems that benefit everyone in society. Thank you for the opportunity to discuss these important topics.
Mployment rate among foreign nationals can be attributed to several factors, including language barriers, differing qualifications, and discrimination in the job market. Many immigrants struggle to have their qualifications recognized, and those from countries with less familiarity in the local job market may face additional hurdles in securing stable employment.
Editor: It’s concerning to hear about those disparities. What measures can be taken to reduce these inequalities in the job market for immigrants?
Dr. Schwarz: Addressing these inequalities requires a multi-faceted approach. Ensuring access to language training and recognition of foreign qualifications is crucial. Additionally, fostering partnerships between employers and immigrant support organizations can facilitate better integration and job matching. Education systems must also be equipped to support immigrant students and provide them with opportunities that cater to their diverse backgrounds.
Editor: The education statistics highlight that over a quarter of students speak a language other than German at home. How important is this for the future of Austria’s integration efforts?
Dr. Schwarz: This is a vital issue. A multilingual population can be a tremendous asset, contributing to Austria’s economic and cultural vibrancy. However, it’s essential that our education system adapts to support these students effectively. Implementing programs that promote bilingualism will not only aid in their academic success but also enhance social cohesion and integration.
Editor: Thank you very much, Dr. Schwarz, for sharing these insights on the evolving landscape of Austria’s demographics. Your expertise is invaluable as we navigate these complex issues.
Dr. Schwarz: Thank you for the opportunity to discuss these important topics. It’s crucial that we continue to address these challenges as a society.
