Karl Nehammer Announces DNA Tests and ‘Strict Controls’ to Limit Migrants’ Access to Austria

Nehammer, a conservative politician, announced on Sunday, May 5, an intensification of the use of genetic tests to prove family relationships.

Checks by document experts and security officials will also be tightened as part of the family reunification process, he told Austrian news agency APA.

“We will restrict family reunification through strict controls,” the Austrian chancellor said, without specifying how many frauds have so far been uncovered in such procedures.

The reunification of family members of refugees with already recognized status has been prevented by the coronavirus pandemic, and Vienna is currently facing a huge increase in requests in this regard.

The Austrian Ministry of the Interior registered around 6,900 asylum applications in the first quarter of this year. Of these, 45% were made by people who received an entry permit under a family reunification program. A year ago, the proportion was 16%, according to DPA.

Karl Nehammer was present, in March, at the Congress of the European People’s Party (PPE) at Romexpo, in Bucharest. The Chancellor remained firm even after the meeting with President Klaus Iohannis. “Schengen cannot be extended”

Austria has for the time being accepted the accession of Romania and Bulgaria to Schengen with air and sea borders, starting from March.

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