Austrian Interior Minister Gerhard Karner is intensifying his tough stance on migration and youth crime. Just six weeks into the new government’s term, Karner is pushing forward with stricter policies. Even during the Easter holidays, Austria’s coalition government is working hard, pressured by a slowing economy and a tight budget deadline.
One major focus is youth crime. According to new police data, the number of children aged 10 to 14 suspected of crimes has nearly doubled—from 6,300 in 2020 to 12,000 in 2024. In response, Karner wants to house troubled youths in stricter, prison-like homes. To make this legal, the ÖVP, SPÖ, and NEOS parties are planning to change the law that governs residential facilities.
Karner also pointed to rising crime among Syrian nationals and said Austria is making progress with deportations. While people are not yet being sent back to countries like Syria or Afghanistan directly, they are being removed to third countries. Talks are underway with Afghan and Syrian authorities to allow forced returns to home countries.
At the same time, Karner criticized Germany’s efforts to welcome Afghan support workers, calling it “the wrong direction.” Instead, he argued Austria must focus on returning people to their home regions.
Looking ahead, Karner announced plans to cut social benefits for migrants living in Austria illegally. With help from the EU’s new asylum pact, the government wants to make laws even tougher. “Asylum rules must be strict but fair,” he said.
Minister Karner’s firm approach signals a sharp turn in Austria’s handling of migration and juvenile crime—an effort, he says, to restore order and fairness to the system.
