Austria Issues Updated 2026 Shortage-Occupation List, Opening More Sectors to Non-EU Talent
Interior Minister Karner Hosts Bulgarian and Kazakh Counterparts to Tighten External-Border Cooperation
EU List Confirms Austria’s Internal Border Checks Extended to 15 March 2027
Latest News
Austrian Traffic Broadcaster Warns of Weekend Border Queues as Internal Checks Continue
Radio Ö3’s 18 October traffic bulletin warns of extended tailbacks at Austria’s controlled Schengen borders this weekend, with the Karawanken Tunnel, Nickelsdorf and Kufstein among the worst hotspots. The congestion stems from ongoing internal border checks, reminding companies and travellers to allow extra time or seek alternative routes.
Austria Narrows Eligibility for Temporary Protection of Ukrainians
Parliament has amended Austria’s temporary-protection rules so that Ukrainian citizens who were prohibited from leaving Ukraine for military reasons and arrived after 1 July 2026 will no longer qualify. Companies must now move affected staff onto standard work permits, while NGOs fear a rise in irregular stay. The change tightens a scheme that has covered more than 100,000 Ukrainians since 2022 and signals Vienna’s harder line on humanitarian migration.
Asylum Seekers Barred from Renewing Work Permits After Legal Change
Because of a June change to the Foreign Nationals’ Employment Act, Austrian authorities have started refusing renewals of work permits for asylum seekers whose first application was rejected. ORF reports at least 50 denials in Tyrol; businesses warn of labour-shortage fallout, and NGOs are mounting legal challenges. Employers must urgently check the status of asylum-applicant workers and consider alternative permits.
Heavy congestion at Karawankentunnel as autumn travel peaks
Traffic on the A11 Karawanken Autobahn hit one-hour delays on 16 October as a single-tube Karawankentunnel, Slovenian border checks and holiday traffic coincided. Freight and business travellers heading to the Balkans face recurring Friday/Saturday disruptions until the second tunnel tube opens. ASFINAG recommends off-peak departures and digital tolls; rail offers a punctual alternative.
Inntaldreieck–Kufstein corridor clogs as block-release hits A93/A12 supply chain
A scheduled truck ‘Blockabfertigung’ in Tyrol created 15-km queues on the A93/A12 corridor early on 16 October, delaying freight and business traffic between Bavaria and Innsbruck. The recurring measure, aimed at reducing Alpine transit pollution, continues to disrupt just-in-time supply chains. Companies should consult the block-day calendar and consider rail or off-peak routings.
Vienna Plans Stricter Airbnb Rules Affecting Office-to-Holiday-Flat Conversions
Vienna’s city council will vote on 20 October on amendments that would require new short-term-rental properties to have at least three units and a dedicated street entrance, limiting office-to-Airbnb conversions. Landlord groups oppose the plan, while housing advocates welcome it. If passed, corporate-housing providers must audit portfolios to ensure compliance.
Interior Ministry Publishes Updated Visa-Obligation List Effective 16 October
The Interior Ministry’s visa-requirement database was refreshed on 16 October. Key changes involve new airport-transit visa requirements for Kosovo, visa-free entry for Egyptian diplomatic passport holders, and a forthcoming waiver for Timor-Leste. Employers must ensure travellers consult the new list before booking flights.