National Council passes Asylum and Migration Pact Adaptation Act

The National Council passed the Asylum and Migration Pact Adaptation Act (AMPAG) following an intense debate.

Regarding border procedures, Interior Minister Gerhard Karner stated that a border processing facility is being established at Vienna Airport. He noted that the "suspension of family reunification" had already provided significant relief for the system and that this would now be reinforced through the introduction of a quota. Karner described the Pact as an important and necessary step towards sustainably easing pressure on asylum systems in Austria and across Europe.

The AMPAG awaits approval by the Federal Council.

Furthermore, the National Council adopted a constitutional amendment and accompanying changes to the Ombudsman Board Act with the required two-thirds majority. Under the Common European Asylum System (CEAS), the Austrian Ombudsman Board will serve as the independent monitoring mechanism for border procedures at Austrian airports.

The measures primarily concern the new border procedures and the associated longer periods of detention at airports. The Ombudsman Board, or a commission appointed by it, will monitor compliance with fundamental and human rights throughout their implementation.