Abstract

The migration crisis of the 2010s in Western countries was exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to more radical actions by migrants defending their rights in their host countries. At the same time, dissatisfaction with Western governments’ migration policies grew among local populations. However, public initiatives aimed at helping migrants adapt to new living conditions and integrate into the labor market also expanded. This article examines the impact of this pandemic-driven crisis on relations between migrants and host societies in Austria in the early 2020s, focusing on the adaptation experiences of African migrants. It explores Austria’s official migration policy, highlighting its distinctions from the broader European Union approach. The article features perspectives from migrants, academics, and human rights organizations on whether Austria’s treatment of African migrants can be considered racist. It also provides an in-depth analysis of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) — both Austrian and international — that offer assistance to African migrants. The author discusses the origins, registration processes, and integration of these NGOs into the broader network of similar organizations. Additionally, the article examines the target audiences of these organizations and the degree of local citizen involvement in their activities. It concludes that the situation of African migrants in Austria is broadly representative of the challenges faced by migrants across the European Union, despite Austria’s distinct governmental measures for managing migrant communities.