Project "Foreign skilled workers"
Project Title
Stay or Leave? Factors Influencing the Retention Intentions of Skilled Workers from EU Countries and Third Countries in Austria
Abstract
Austria looks back on a long tradition as a country of immigration – from the so-called “guest workers” of the 1960s and 1970s to today’s highly qualified professionals in sectors such as healthcare, engineering, and IT. These labor migrants make a significant contribution to the country’s economic stability. With the introduction of the Red-White-Red Card (RWR Card), access to the labor market has been made easier for qualified third-country nationals. Nevertheless, it has become apparent that these individuals do not always remain in Austria permanently.
Return migration poses a challenge from a labor market policy perspective, as it entails the loss of already integrated and qualified workers. This study therefore focuses on the central question of which motives contribute to returning or onward migration from Austria, and which factors encourage migrants to stay in Austria. The aim is to analyze these factors in a differentiated way in order to derive policy-relevant courses of action that can help retain qualified professionals in the country over the long term.
In addition to a literature review, four focus groups and an online survey will be conducted.
Project Management
Karin Steiner
Project Team
Andrea Egger-Subotitsch (EVACON)
Project Start
08/2025
Project End
03/2026
Project Initiator
ÖIF (Austrian Integratioon Fund)