Austrian Integration Fund: A Point of First Contact

These welcome desks are to serve as a point of first contact for new arrivals, both welcoming them to the country and offering information on the rights, obligations and opportunities awaiting them, as well as more concrete advice regarding employment, housing, education, insurance and other practical aspects of living in Austria.

After the initial free consultation, personal integration goals will be set conjointly, and two follow-up consultations offered, three and twelve months after arrival respectively.

This move is part of the implementation of "Integration from the beginning", a larger initiative by the Austrian Integration Fund aimed at easing the transition from recent arrival to full-fledged member of Austrian society and eventually, citizenship.

Also part of the initiative is the concept of "Pre-integration", where potential immigrants will be advised and expectations managed even before arrival via Austrian embassies. As Vice-Chancellor Spindelegger remarked, "Immigrants are welcome in Austria, but need to meet certain requirements.

We expect of people coming to Austria that they develop Austrian sensibilities and consider themselves active members of society. It is essential to impart our common values, particularly freedom, democracy, human dignity and the rule of law."