Germany to Change Asylum Benefits System

In a decisive move to streamline its refugee policy, Germany is set to overhaul its approach to managing the influx of asylum seekers.

As the country grapples with the considerable numbers of new arrivals, a comprehensive plan, hailed as a “historic moment” by Chancellor Olaf Scholz, has been unveiled by the federal government in concert with the state premiers. This plan aims to recalibrate the benefits system and expedite asylum procedures to alleviate the pressures on cities and administrative resources.

At the heart of the reform is the extension of the reduced benefits period, from 18 to 36 months, with a maintained rate of €410 per month. The Finance Minister, Christian Lindner, anticipates this could yield significant savings and potentially lessen Germany’s allure as a generous welfare state. This shift is part of a broader strategy to manage resources more effectively and make Germany less attractive as a destination based solely on its benefits system.

The introduction of payment cards, a system that has seen success in other European countries like France, marks a significant transition from cash payments for refugees. This method, to be implemented by early 2024, aims to reduce the administrative burden and address concerns about the financing of people smuggling networks. Despite the higher resource demands, this change is expected to grant asylum seekers the ability to make purchases while preventing cash withdrawals.

Bavaria, pioneering this approach, has already approved the use of payment cards in its anchor centers. The state anticipates this will deter migrants from coming to Germany merely for financial incentives. Critiques of this method argue that it could lead to increased administrative costs and reduce the autonomy of the recipients, according to groups like Pro-Asyl. Nonetheless, the move is defended as a necessary step towards a more managed and less appealing migration policy.

In addition to financial reforms, the plan also includes maintaining stationary border controls, with a focus on preventing entry from other EU countries where possible. Asylum procedures are to be accelerated, with a target of capping the process at six months, including court appeals. The feasibility of conducting asylum procedures outside of Europe is also under consideration, despite legal and practical concerns.

A significant financial commitment comes in the form of a lump sum of €7,500 per refugee per year, which is intended to streamline the funding process between federal and state governments. This measure responds to the growing calls from municipalities for assistance in managing housing, legal procedures, and social services for refugees.

While the government has proposed stricter deportation rules for those with rejected asylum applications, the reality on the ground reflects a diverse array of challenges, from a shortage of accommodation to administrative and educational constraints. The mixed response to these reforms underscores the complexity of immigration issues in Germany, where the balance between humanitarian responsibility and practical governance continues to be a central debate.