In Saxony-Anhalt, Germany, benefits for asylum seekers have been slashed after many refused to participate in flood debris cleanup for less than 1 pound an hour, sparking controversy and debates on migrant policies. The state of Saxony-Anhalt in Germany has taken a controversial step by cutting the benefits of asylum seekers who refused to help with flood debris cleanup after severe flooding last year. Local authorities had asked 64 migrants to assist in clearing rubbish and building dykes for a wage of 80 cents (68p) per hour. Out of these, only 39 agreed to participate, while the rest, hailing from countries such as Syria, Afghanistan, Niger, Mali, and Albania, did not show up.
As a result, the district council has decided to halve the benefits of the 15 asylum seekers who had no valid excuse for their absence, reducing their monthly allowance to 232 Euros (195 Pounds) for three months. These benefits are crucial for covering basic needs like food, accommodation, personal hygiene, and clothing.
District councilor Andre Schroeder, a member of the Christian Democrat party, defended this decision, emphasizing the obligation of those seeking protection in Germany to contribute to the community. He stated, “Anyone who seeks protection from us from other countries can be obliged to do work that serves the common good.”
Under Germany’s Asylum Seekers’ Benefits Act, refusal to perform community service without a valid reason can result in a reduction of benefits. This policy is part of Germany’s broader struggle to manage migration effectively and address the growing anti-migrant sentiment among voters, contrasting sharply with former Chancellor Angela Merkel’s open-border policy that allowed one million refugees into the country in 2015.
The political landscape has shifted significantly since then, with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) gaining parliamentary seats in the aftermath of Merkel’s policy. The recent decision in Saxony-Anhalt aligns with a more stringent approach to migration seen across parts of Germany.
Additionally, Federal Justice Minister Marco Buschmann recently advocated for cutting social benefits for asylum seekers entering Germany through other EU countries, in line with the Dublin Regulation, which mandates that the first EU country of entry is responsible for asylum seekers.
Buschmann highlighted the need to address the “pull factors” attracting irregular migration to Germany, stating, “They cannot expect to live off the solidarity of people here if they do not want to return.” His remarks underline the ongoing controversy and the challenging balance between supporting asylum seekers and managing migration pressures.
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