Author Topic: New work visa for Austria  (Read 2173 times)

Offline afrasiab

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New work visa for Austria
« on: February 05, 2011, 02:44:25 AM »
New work visa for Austria
by RAY CLANCY on FEBRUARY 4, 2011

A new work permit is being introduced in Austria making it easier for non European Union people to get jobs in the country that is suffering from a skills shortage.

The new red-white-red work permit, named after the colours of the nation’s flag, has limitations relating to age, education, experience, and language skills but it represents a significant change in the Austrian immigration system and will be introduced on 01 July.

Until now it has been hard for non-EU citizens to get jobs and entries have been limited to 1,000 annually. The new Austrian work visa will be similar in some respects to other skilled immigration visas in countries such as Australia, the UK, Canada and Denmark and could number 8,000 per year.

It aims to be flexible to cater to the growing demand for high skilled workers possessing qualifications for different occupations. Social Affairs Minister Rudolf Hundstorfer said that Austria must import migrant labour to deal with skills shortages over the next 10 to 15 years.

The card gives points based on age, previous pay scales, education, work experience and language proficiency in German. Austrian Chamber of Commerce spokesman Rupert Haberson said that there are shortages in the care industry and among technicians in the electrical and metals industries.


Around 35,000 migrants arrive in Austria each year to live permanently out of which a third arrive to live with family members who are already living in Austria.

A new expat centre has opened in Vienna to offer free advice for expats and their families. Organised by the Vienna Business Agency, it offers information on visa requirements, insurance, housing, rent prices, and job seeking.

The VBA says that more international companies are seeking to move to Austria with the country being regarded as a gateway to Eastern Europe. It has seen 650 international companies establishing business operations in Vienna since 2004. Total investments have amounted to about €470 million, and more than 5,400 new jobs have been created.

‘Companies decide in favour of Vienna due to the international attractiveness of the business location. In Vienna they profit from the widespread availability of qualified employees, the modern infrastructure and high level of legal certainty. Last but not least Vienna scores points with investors due to the undisputedly highest quality of life’ said Renate Brauner, Vienna’s Vice Mayor and City Councilwoman for Financial and Economic Affairs.