Austria suspends refugee family reunification amid migration concerns

Austria has temporarily suspended its family reunification program for refugees, citing a rise in migration and growing public concerns. The government announced the decision on Wednesday, saying it aims to address immigration issues that have fueled support for the far right.

Using the European Union’s emergency provisions on national security, the ruling three-party coalition has frozen the right of asylum seekers’ family members to join them in Austria. Officials described the move as a necessary step to manage the country’s migration crisis.

The suspension comes amid broader efforts by the new Austrian government to tighten immigration policies, a topic that has become increasingly divisive in national politics.