Pocket money cuts for asylum seekers: First step in strict asylum policy!

Pocket money cuts for asylum seekers: First step in strict asylum policy!

Österreich - In Austria, Interior Minister Gerhard Karner announced the first pocket money cuts in asylum seekers on April 17, 2025. This measure is part of a strong asylum policy that has been in force since the introduction of a new regulation on non -profit work in July 2024. To date, asylum seekers have already done over 292,000 working hours in the form of non -profit work.

According to the new regulation, asylum seekers must provide non -profit work ten hours per month, which includes, for example, maintaining green areas or support in nursing homes. In order to promote the activities, mandatory training on relevant topics such as equality and the rule of law were introduced, which also took place in all basic care facilities for asylum seekers from June 2024.

a year after the new regulation

Around 77 percent of asylum seekers have so far complied with this obligation. However, almost 680 people, about 24 percent of asylum seekers, remained idle, which meant that their pocket money was shortened from 40 euros to 20 euros. These changes were also mentioned by today that indicate that there are exceptions for people who are unable to work due to illnesses or physical ailments.

The new asylum regulation, which came into force on July 16, 2024, is part of a comprehensive strategy of the federal government to consistently implement asylum policy. Karner confirmed that this was a step to integrate asylum seekers into society, with the opportunity to actively contribute to the community.

training courses for integration

Already since June 1, 2024, all asylum seekers in the federal accommodation are obliged to take part in training on their rights and obligations in Austria. These training deals with important social issues that are crucial for a better understanding and successful integration into the Austrian society. Unexcused lack of these training also leads to cuts of pocket money.

Karner sees the measures as a clear and consistent step in asylum policy. The government also plans to introduce preventive steps in the family reunification of asylum enthusiasts. These points were highlighted in a detailed analysis on BMI.GV.AT

Overall, the development shows that the state not only wants to support the asylum seekers financially, but also want to take on a duty in order to facilitate integration into society and to secure a contribution to the common good.