The facility, operated by the charitable organization Volkshilfe at Schlossberg in Vienna-Hietzing, has been operating at full capacity for some time. More than 200 people can be accommodated at the center, which has been completely full for an extended period, according to the report.
Since opening, the center has provided assistance to 8,900 Ukrainians. Refugees receive short-term accommodation, meals, counseling, and support with police registration and onward travel to other federal states.
This is not the first time Austria has adjusted its policies toward Ukrainian refugees. On June 1, 2025, Austria abolished mandatory health insurance for those under temporary protection if they are unemployed or not receiving social benefits.
A transition period until July 12 allowed temporary free access to medical services, including consultations, medication, and dental care. Since then, Ukrainian refugees have had to purchase insurance through employers or cover expenses themselves.
Other benefits like childcare and family support will expire at the end of this month. The Austrian government is introducing new regulations aimed at encouraging Ukrainians to seek employment, in order to reduce budgetary pressure and promote social integration.
