Austria: Turkish immigrants
01 September 1996
The administrative tribunal has ruled that Turkish citizens who have been living for at least five years in Austria enjoy the same freedom of movement as European Union nationals. The EU signed an Association Agreement with Turkey in 1963 which puts Turkish citizens by and large on an equal footing with EU nationals. The Austrian court ruled that Austria has to fulfil this obligation now that it has joined the EU. This is good news for the spouses and children of Turkish workers who have not been allowed to work. However, the largest migrant group from former Yugoslavia which makes up over 50% of migrant labour is not affected. Particularly the Serbs and Macedonians are disadvantaged. The Croats and Bosnians have the support of the Austrian government because of Austria's stance during the war. Interior Minister Einem has declared that this ruling could be an "orientation" for the future treatment of other immigrant groups in Austria. The principle would be "improved integration, restrictive immigration policy". The right-wing FPO has called for the renunciation of the Association Agreement with Turkey.
Salzburger Nachrichten, 31.7.96; 1.8.96; 10.8.96; Der Standard, 7.8.96.