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Policy Database

The DEMIG-QuantMig Migration Policy Database tracks more than 7,600 migration policy changes enacted by 31 European (EU and non-EU) countries for the period 1990 to 2020. This database extends and updates the DEMIG POLICY database developed at the International Migration Institute (https://www.migrationinstitute.org/data/demig-data/demig-policy-1) and follows the same methodology. The policy measures are coded according to the policy area and migrant group targeted, as well as the change in restrictiveness they introduce in the existing legal system. The database allows for both quantitative and qualitative research on the long-term evolution and effectiveness of migration policies.

Credit for the development of the original DEMIG framework goes to the International Migration Institute, Professor Hein de Haas and his team. For methodological details, please see: H de Haas, K Natter and S Vezzoli (2015) Conceptualizing and measuring migration policy change. Comparative Migration Studies, 3: 15, DOI: 10.1186/s40878-015-0016-5.

How to cite: Schreier S, Skrabal L and Czaika M (2023) DEMIG-QuantMig Migration Policy Database. QuantMig Project Deliverable D5.4, version 1.2. Krems: University of Continuing Education.

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CountrySummaryYearDescriptionSourceMagnitudeLevel of legislationPolicy areaPolicy toolTarget groupTarget originSpecific nationalitiesRestrictivenessComments
CountrySummaryYearDescriptionSourceMagnitudeLevel of legislationPolicy areaPolicy toolTarget groupTarget originSpecific nationalitiesRestrictivenessCommentsView
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AustriaSecond immigration high1990The foreign population in Austria more than doubled between 1987 and 1994 from 326.000 to 713.000. ... more ...Bauboeck and Perchinig 2003: 12N/AN/ALegal entry and stayContextual elementsAll migrantsAll foreign nationalitiesN/AN/Aview
AustriaAsylum seekers allowed to work immediately1990Since January 1990, asylum seekers are allowed to enter the labour market as soon as they have filed ... more ...SOPEMI 1991: 30Major changeNational policyLegal entry and stayWork visa/permitRefugees, asylum seekers and other vulnerable peopleAll foreign nationalitiesN/ALess restrictiveview
Austriamilitary to support border guards1990Decision by the Council of Ministers of 4 September 1990 - to send military support to border guards ... more ...Bauboeck and Perchinig 2003: 13; EMN 2005: 31Mid-level changeNational policyBorder and land controlSurveillance technology/control powersIrregular migrantsAll foreign nationalitiesThose coming through the eastern borderMore restrictiveview
AustriaRegularisation1990Regularisation for illegally employed foreigners > So far, a unique step by Austria's policy m ... more ...SOPEMI 1991: 41Mid-level changeNational policyLegal entry and stayRegularisationIrregular migrantsAll foreign nationalitiesN/ALess restrictiveview
Austriaintroduction of the federal maximum stock of foreign workers19901990 Amendment of the Alien Employment Act - anchors the federal maximum number (Bundeshöchstza ... more ...Bauboeck and Perchinig 2003: 11; http://medienservicestelle.at/migration_bewegt/2011/05/25/neue-oste ... more ...Major changeNational policyIntegrationQuota/targetAll migrant workersAll foreign nationalitiesN/AMore restrictiveview
Austriacreation of the working permit (arbeitserlaubnis)19901990 Amendment of the Alien Employment Act - introduced the Arbeitserlaubnis (working permit) as a ... more ...http://www.parlament.gv.at/PAKT/VHG/BR/I-BR/I-BR_03969/imfname_291177.pdf [accessed on 12.10.2013]Minor changeNational policyLegal entry and stayWork visa/permitAll migrant workersAll foreign nationalitiesN/ALess restrictiveview
Austriafederal care for asylum seekers established19911991 Law on Federal Care for Asylum Seekers (Bundesbetreuung) was established - stipulating that the ... more ...https://www.ris.bka.gv.at/Dokumente/BgblPdf/1991_405_0/1991_405_0.pdf [accessed on 12.10.2013]Major changeNational policyIntegrationAccess to social benefits and socio-economic rightsRefugees, asylum seekers and other vulnerable peopleAll foreign nationalitiesN/ALess restrictiveview
Austriafirst integration measures for asylum seekers1991Law on the Reception of Asylum Seekers of 1991 - introduced integration measures for asylum seekers ... more ...http://www.ris.bka.gv.at/Dokumente/BgblPdf/1992_9_0/1992_9_0.pdf [accessed on 12.10.2013]Minor changeNational policyIntegrationLanguage, housing and cultural integration programmesRefugees, asylum seekers and other vulnerable peopleAll foreign nationalitiesN/ALess restrictiveview
Austriaintroduction of safe third country and country of origin principle1991Law on the Reception of Asylum Seekers of 1991 - introduced the principles of "safe third count ... more ...MPI 2003; http://www.ris.bka.gv.at/Dokumente/BgblPdf/1992_9_0/1992_9_0.pdf [accessed on 12.10.2013]Mid-level changeNational policyLegal entry and stayEntry visa/stay permitRefugees, asylum seekers and other vulnerable peopleAll foreign nationalitiesThose transiting through or originating from a safe countryMore restrictiveview
Austriacarrier sanctions introduced1991In Austria provisions on carriers liability were introduced in 1991 - a carrier has to immediately p ... more ...MPI 2003; http://www.amnesty.org/en/library/asset/ACT34/021/1997/en/9b5d45f3-e9b0-11dd-935f-7f9f204a ... more ...Mid-level changeNational policyBorder and land controlCarrier liabilitiesIrregular migrantsAll foreign nationalitiesN/AMore restrictiveview

Total Results:7643



This work has received funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No. 870299 QuantMig: Quantifying Migration Scenarios for Better Policy. This document reflects the authors'view and the Research Executive Agency of the European Commission are not responsible for any use that may be made of the information it contains.

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