Germany cuts payments to Ukrainian refugees

“We have agreed on changes to the legal framework. This agreement has already been approved by the Ministry of Labor and the Ministry of the Interior. This week, it will also be adopted at a meeting of the federal government and will apply retroactively from April 1 of this year,” said German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt.

According to the minister, the changes mean that newly arrived Ukrainians will no longer receive social assistance for citizens (Bürgergeld) but will switch to the system of payments under the Asylum Seekers Benefits Act (Asylbewerberleistungsgesetz), DW reports.

Those arriving from Ukraine will be required to look for work.

“If no efforts are made to find employment in Germany, there will be further reductions in payments,” Dobrindt explained.

The authorities will conduct asset checks, so only those who do not have their own assets will be eligible for social assistance.

“If there are assets, they must be used before assistance is provided to asylum seekers,” Dobrindt added.

Photo: Channel 24.