Austria recorded its lowest number of new asylum applications in a decade in July, with 244 applications, a decline of around 65% compared with the same month last year. Official figures also showed that the total number of new and extension applications fell 48% year-on-year to 840.
Between January and July, Austria received 5,743 asylum applications, representing a 45% decline compared with the corresponding period. The Interior Ministry also reported a sharp reduction in irregular migrant apprehensions along the border with Hungary, with 339 cases recorded between January and August 1.
Authorities attributed the decline to stronger border security measures and cooperation with Hungarian authorities to dismantle human trafficking routes in eastern Austria under Operation Fox. The ministry said these efforts have contributed to a significant reduction in irregular migration.
