Educational Leave Replaced by Further Education Allowance

The governing parties criticize the misuse of educational leave as a break or extension of parental leave. Bettina Zopf (ÖVP) emphasized that this is not the purpose of educational leave. Johannes Gasser (NEOS) pointed out rising costs. Social Minister Korinna Schumann (SPÖ) sees the decision as an important step to support people with low qualifications and income. Here too, an agreement with the employer must be reached.

Further Education Allowance Instead of Educational Leave Brings Stricter Requirements

The further education allowance offers a higher minimum rate of 40.40 euros per day than before. For employees earning at least half of the ASVG maximum contribution basis gross, the employer will have to cover at least 15 percent of the further education allowance. Access conditions are tightened. As part of the agreement, the current educational level, the educational measure, and the educational goal must be specified, taking into account the interests of both the employee and the company. Furthermore, individuals must have been employed with the current employer for at least twelve (instead of six) months. Exceptions continue to exist for seasonal businesses. A direct continuation of the further education period after parental leave is not possible.

The further education measure must comprise at least 20 hours per week. For individuals with children under seven years requiring care, this requirement is reduced to 16 hours per week if longer care options are not available. The total further education allowance is capped at 150 million euros per year.

FPÖ and the Greens opposed the new regulation. It is not a successor regulation for educational leave that deserves this name, said Green MP Markus Koza. Employees could no longer pursue further education independently, but rather what is good for the company is prioritized. For the same reason, Dagmar Belakowitsch (FPÖ) also saw no continuation or successor model, but a "system change." She also stated that the government, with the further education period particularly aimed at the low-qualified, is promoting "people from the asylum sector," which the governing parties denied.

Residence Permit for Cross-Border Commuters Passed in National Council

Following the same debate, a new residence permit for cross-border commuters was passed with the votes of the coalition and the Greens. Non-EU citizens with residence and permanent residence permits in a neighboring country are thus enabled to engage in dependent employment in Austria. The condition is that the position cannot be filled otherwise. The regulation is a contribution to combating the shortage of skilled workers, said Zopf. She explained that with this residence permit, there is no entitlement to social benefits or family reunification, and it is only valid for the duration of employment. Peter Wurm (FPÖ) nevertheless stated that the government is opening a "door" for illegal immigration.

(APA/Red)

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