Half of migrants refuse to work: program fights for survival!

Half of migrants refuse to work: program fights for survival!

A pilot project to compel asylum seekers to work is currently being implemented in Germany. The aim is to make it easier for these people to integrate into society and at the same time enable them to actively participate in community life. How European Conservative reports, unemployed asylum seekers must participate in community service work, such as maintaining public parks, in order to access important social services. Udo Recktenwald, CDU district administrator of St. Wendel, commented on the initial results of the program, which are anything but rosy. Only about half of the 56 migrants involved have fulfilled their obligations since April.

The program is intended to promote better integration of asylum seekers and provides a variety of incentives. This gives participants preferential access to German courses. However, those who do not show up will have to expect benefits to be reduced. The checks seem necessary because, according to Recktenwald, many migrants reported sick or stayed away without an excuse. Six migrants who disappeared had already had their social benefits completely cut off, while seven participants faced a reduction in their monthly benefits.

Integration opportunities through community service

The program is expected to engage a total of 200 asylum seekers in community services by next year. The costs for this amount to around 150,000 euros in St. Wendel. Despite the initial hurdles, Recktenwald is optimistic: He sees the project as a possible model for nationwide implementation. Similar initiatives already exist in other CDU-led districts, although the results vary. In Burgenland, Saxony-Anhalt, approximately 100 applicants appeared for 36 positions, according to information from World two out of three do not, which makes the initial situation appear subdued. Here, 54 of 60 migrants who did not meet the requirements received reduced social benefits.

Another example is the Saale-Orla district in Thuringia, where the program is also being implemented. District Administrator Christian Herrgott, who is considered a pioneer, has already been able to implement the first work commitments there. Currently, 63 of 96 assigned asylum seekers are active in measures. The activities offered include, among other things, lawn mowing and tidying up. According to Herrgott, the successes achieved are encouraging, even if the organization is not without its challenges. However, it must be emphasized that not all migrants are willing to take part in the measures offered.

Criticism and legal framework conditions

Criticism of the work obligations comes primarily from left-wing parties such as the SPD, the Greens and the Left, who argue that such programs could deter migrants from regular work. But the legal framework for such work obligations is clear: the Asylum Seekers Benefits Act was only changed in February 2024 to create the legal basis for these measures. In this context, it is important to note that eligibility for social benefits in Germany is linked to certain conditions, such as age, earning capacity and need for assistance Asylum.net describes.

In summary, despite the declining participation numbers so far, there remains hope that the programs will have a long-term positive impact on the integration of asylum seekers. After all, by taking part in charitable work, migrants have the opportunity not only to fulfill their duties, but also to gain valuable experience and learn the language, which can make everyday life easier for them in Germany.