Austria

Austria hosts around 146,000 refugees and subsidiary protection holders and over 18,000 asylum-seekers. Most refugees come from Syria (close to 58,000) and Afghanistan (around 41,000), which are also the top nationalities of asylum-seekers.

UNHCR has been present in Austria since 1951 and saw its first emergency with the Hungarian uprising in 1956. In addition to the UNHCR office, Vienna is also home to the UNHCR Liaison Office to international organisations like the OSCE, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe. 

UNHCR’s work in Austria focuses on protecting recognised refugees, holders of subsidiary protection, asylum-seekers and stateless persons. This includes monitoring country laws, reception and integration conditions as well as advocating for persons under UNHCR's mandate with authorities and relevant stakeholders.  

The office regularly organises public information and awareness-raising activities, with a strong focus on educating young people on refugee issues.