Some districts in Germany cut money for refugees unwilling to work.
The policy of reducing benefits for refugees who do not participate in assigned work activities is part of broader efforts to integrate refugees into the German workforce and society. This approach aims to encourage self-sufficiency and reduce dependence on social welfare systems. Similar policies have been implemented in other European countries facing large influxes of refugees and asylum seekers, highlighting ongoing debates about the best ways to manage refugee populations and integrate them into host communities
The district administrator of Mansfeld-Südharz is serious. Here, 64 asylum seekers were ordered to clean up after the Helme flood. And those who didn’t show up will now receive less money. The refugees were paid 80 cents an hour. But 15 of the 64 people did not show up, as the “Bild” newspaper reports. And that now has consequences. Eleven people unwilling to work from Syria, Afghanistan, Mali, Albania, and Niger will now have their social benefits cut. For single people, the standard rate of 460 euros will be reduced by 232 euros. For married people, the standard rate of 413 euros will be reduced by 207 euros, according to the “Bild” report.
The reduction in social benefits is a substantial financial impact on refugees who rely on these funds for basic living expenses. These cuts, reducing benefits by roughly half, are intended to serve as a deterrent against non-compliance with work requirements. This policy is part of a broader strategy in Europe where social benefits are often linked to active job-seeking or participation in community service, reflecting a shift towards conditional welfare models.
Other districts in Germany are also cutting benefits for refugees unwilling to work. The first district administrator to introduce the social benefit cuts was Christian Herrgott from the Saale-Orla district in Thuringia. According to Bild, there are currently 63 jobs here. Refugees who refuse to work will now receive less money. And the Burgenland district in Saxony-Anhalt is also imposing sanctions on those who do not work.
