More than 200,000 have come to Austria so far. Ukrainians. The refugee coordinator is looking for accommodation. Countries, hoteliers and private individuals offer accommodation.
Michael Takacs is looking for accommodation. Everyone who comes from Ukraine and looks for help in Austria should have a roof over their heads. This is now top priority, the federal government-appointed refugee coordinator said Thursday. The need is great: Takacs expects up to 200,000 people to seek protection.
Since the outbreak of the war, 203,000 have arrived in Austria. people, but most of them had just passed. To date, 27,000 displaced persons have registered in Austria. 70 percent of them are women, 35 percent are children under the age of 18. According to the refugee coordinator, there are several reasons why men and their families are among the reported displaced persons despite compulsory military service in Ukraine. On the one hand, many people left the country before this decision was made. On the other hand, there are exceptions to draft, for example in the case of men with three or more children or if they are caring for a family member who needs care.
43,000 bed places by private persons
Currently, it is still possible to accommodate refugees in quarters. On the one hand, there are about 7,000 in federal care. places, and on the other hand, there are currently numerous offers of assistance: 43 thousand. so far, beds have been offered by private persons. Countries decide if they can be used: they are responsible for verification.
The refugee coordinator is also actively looking for accommodation himself. Therefore, next week he will visit all federal states and talk to state governors about accommodation. He also wants to involve non-profit housing developers: It can be assumed that they have vacant apartments. He was also contacted by many hotel owners and offered free accommodation.
The federal government is currently choosing to participate voluntarily. Coercive measures, as in 2015 and 2016, are not planned. At that time, the government created the possibility of creating accommodation for refugees, even against the will of the community. This time there is also no set quota for the federal states. According to Takacs, this is not a problem for him at the moment.
Most are on their way
Despite the large number of expected refugees, Austria is by no means the country most affected. Most of the refugees go to Ukraine’s neighboring countries, which is why the burden is enormous there, Takacs says. They hope that the war will end soon and will be able to return to their country quickly. 2.1 million displaced people came to Poland, 500 thousand. to Romania, 450 thousand. to Moldova, 300 thousand for Hungary and 250 thousand. to Slovakia. A total of 240,000 people have already traveled to Germany.
Takacs downplays the registration problems in Austria. 3,200 people could be registered every day. Yes, you do have to wait a few hours, but this is reasonable for people who have come from a war zone to a safe country.
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(“Die Presse”, printed edition, March 25, 2022)