German Government Defends Cuts to Asylum Seeker Benefits
Berlin, January 24, 2025 (hib) – The German government has defended its decision to reduce social welfare benefits for asylum seekers, arguing that the move is necessary to ensure fairness and sustainability.
In a statement on Monday, Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said that the cuts, which will reduce payments by 10%, are “a fair and proportionate response to the challenges facing Germany’s asylum system.” She added that the changes would “send a clear signal that Germany is not a magnet for economic migrants.”
The cuts, which will come into effect on April 1, have been met with criticism from human rights groups and opposition politicians. They argue that the reductions will worsen the living conditions of asylum seekers, many of whom already live in poverty.
The government has defended the cuts by arguing that the current system is too generous and that it is attracting large numbers of asylum seekers to Germany. The country received over 1 million asylum applications in 2022, the highest number in Europe.
The cuts will affect asylum seekers who have not yet been granted refugee status. They will receive a monthly payment of €480 instead of the current €520. Asylum seekers who have been granted refugee status will not be affected by the cuts.
The government has also announced plans to introduce a new “integration allowance” for asylum seekers who have been granted refugee status. The allowance will be paid for up to two years and will provide financial support for housing, education, and job training.
The government hopes that the new measures will reduce the number of asylum seekers coming to Germany and improve the integration of those who are granted refugee status. However, critics argue that the cuts will have the opposite effect and will make it more difficult for asylum seekers to rebuild their lives in Germany.
Regierung verteidigt Kürzung bei Asylbewerberleistungen
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