Frequently asked questions about your rights and duties

While you are in reception, you have important rights to ensure you are treated fairly. These include access to health care, support if you have special needs, education for children, and in some cases the possibility to work. You also have the right to appeal certain decisions and to receive legal assistance.

Learn more about your rights during reception here.

You must follow the laws in Austria, cooperate with the authorities, attend all required appointments, and respect the rules of your accommodation. You must also stay in Austria and not travel to another country without permission.

Learn more about your duties during reception here.

If you do not follow your duties, your support may be reduced or cancelled. In serious cases, you may lose access to certain services or face restrictions. However, essential rights such as basic medical care will still be ensured.

Learn more about the consequences during reception here.

During the asylum procedure, you have the right to stay in Austria while your application is being examined. You also have the right to an interpreter, to request free legal counselling, to receive information about your case, and to contact organisations like UNHCR that provide support.

Learn more about your rights during the procedure here.

You must cooperate fully with the authorities. This includes providing correct and complete information, attending interviews and appointments, submitting documents, and telling the truth. You must also make sure the authorities can reach you at all times.

Learn more about your duties during the procedure here.

If you do not cooperate or fail to meet your obligations, your application may be rejected or considered withdrawn. Your procedure may also be stopped, or your case may be negatively affected.

Learn more about the consequences during the procedure here.

If you receive international protection, you have the right to stay in Austria and receive a residence permit. You can work, access education, receive health care, and benefit from social support. You may also be able to bring your family to Austria and take part in integration measures.

Learn more about your rights after a positive decision here.

You must follow Austrian laws, keep your documents valid, report any changes in your personal situation, and register your residence. In some cases, you must also participate in integration measures such as language courses.

If you do not follow these duties, there may be consequences. For example, you may lose access to certain social benefits or support. In serious cases, your protection status could be withdrawn, especially if you provided false information or pose a risk to public security.

Learn more about your duties after a positive decision and the consequences if you do not follow them.

If your application is rejected, you will receive a written decision explaining the reasons. You have the right to appeal the decision within a specific time limit and may receive legal assistance.

Learn more about your rights after a negative decision here.

If your application is finally rejected, you must leave Austria. You must cooperate with the authorities, attend appointments, and help obtain travel documents. If you do not comply, you may face consequences such as loss of support, detention, forced return, or an entry ban.

Learn more about your duties after a negative decision and the consequences if you do not follow them.