The OECD reported on November 12, 2025, that permanent immigration to Austria fell by 20 percent, far exceeding the 1.6 percent average decline across member nations. While Great Britain and Greece saw drops, Portugal, Italy, and Spain recorded sharp increases.
Migrants now comprise 12 percent of the OECD population, up from 9 percent in 2015. In Austria, 23 percent of residents are foreign-born. Despite driving employment growth, Austrian immigrants face a jobless rate six points higher than native-born workers.
Foreign-born staff make up 34 percent of Austria's nursing sector, well above the 21 percent OECD average. Additionally, while international student numbers plummeted in the US and Canada, Austria saw a 26 percent rise, alongside gains in Italy and Germany.
