Austria records 45 % plunge in asylum claims, citing tougher controls and EU cooperation
Austria processed only 3,397 asylum applications in the first four months of 2026, 45 % fewer than in the same period last year. The interior ministry credits stricter border checks and joint EU operations. Lower caseloads may ease work-permit processing, but Vienna intends to keep internal Schengen controls, so business travellers should still expect ID spot checks.
May 27, 2026
