Germany could cut benefits for asylum seekers
The wave of migrants in Europe has led the German government to plan cuts to benefits for asylum seekers, payments in kind and more community work
Germany has taken a tougher stance on migrants, who are increasing in number across Europe. The country proposes measures ranging from cuts to the benefits of those seeking asylum, payments in kind or more community work, to deportations.
Tightening Germany’s asylum and immigration policy has the support of the nation’s chancellor, Olaf Scholz, who recently raised the issue with the heads of government of the 16 federal states.
The quest to reduce social allowances and benefits is pushing the limits, leading authorities to consider food benefits in state accommodation, which could translate into savings of over 1 billion euros.
Germany plans to assign a payment card from the beginning of 2024 for those who request refuge in the country, to facilitate the purchase of food without cash. Likewise, community work will be encouraged. The card modality will help avoid sending money to relatives in the country of origin.
To control human trafficking, “the controls implemented since October on the borders with Poland, the Czech Republic and Switzerland will be maintained for a long time, said Olaf Scholz.”
Given the financial and logistical difficulties that German municipalities face with the increase in migration, they have focused their demands on three main points:
- Limiting immigration to Germany, and therefore reducing (or completely canceling) refugee allocations for the municipality itself.
- Receive more money from the government and the states to be able to face the tasks on site and, thirdly, guarantee reliable and long-term financing.
- Support to house and provide refugees with living space, as well as the promotion of social housing.
A harsher measure is deportations. In this regard, a fifth of municipal representatives agree with more deportations. However, analysts point out that they do not represent a great gain or contribution to the solution of the migration crisis.
M.Pino
Source: DW
(Reference image source: Kay Nietfeld, dpa)
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