Germany introduces restrictions for refugees — what Ukrainians should expect
Share
Significant changes are planned for Ukrainian refugees in Germany. The local authorities intend to introduce a new legal status for these people, as well as to restrict their civil rights.
This was stated by German Federal Minister of Finance Christian Lindner to the Wirtschaftswoche magazine.
What will change for Ukrainians
According to the Minister, such changes are aimed at reducing Germany's spending on refugee support and involving them in the local labor market. As a result, Ukrainian refugees will receive a new legal status.
Lindner's initiatives include a concept that combines "benefits for asylum seekers with measures for local citizens in the labor market". Ukrainians will not have to go through the asylum procedure, but they will not automatically be granted access to civil assistance, which provides a socio-economic minimum and opportunities for social participation, even if they are not working.
The Minister also intends to reform other issues. In particular, compensation for housing should be set on the basis of a fixed rate rather than depending on actual costs.
"Beneficiaries can decide whether they want to move to a smaller apartment and how they will heat it. I believe we can save billions of euros here," Lindner explained.
Currently, municipalities cover the cost of rent and heating for recipients of benefits and their families in certain regions. During the first year, there is a so-called waiting period, so the cost of living is not verified. This is done so that recipients can focus on finding a job.
However, almost half of the people receiving social assistance continue to use it even six months after they start working. This is due to low salaries or part-time employment, especially among parents with children.
What else you need to know
As a reminder, Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski recently suggested that Germany redirect social assistance to Ukrainian refugees directly to Ukraine. He is dissatisfied with the financial incentive that allows them to stay in Germany.
We also wrote that Poland has changed the rules for granting social benefits to Ukrainian refugees. We are talking about benefits for children from 12 to 35 months of age.
