Germany will cut social payments to those who do not work
A new bill developed by the German government provides for fines for refusal of employment and illegal work.
This is reported by the Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs of Germany.
According to the bill, recipients of state social assistance in Germany who refuse the proposed work or training without a valid reason, will have their payments reduced by 30%.
Unemployed people who fail to show up for appointments at the employment center without a valid reason will also have their payments reduced by 30% for one month (previously the penalty was 10%).
People who receive state social assistance and work illegally will also be subject to stricter sanctions.
Job centers will be legally obliged to report suspicions of undeclared labor to the customs administration.
At the same time, the German government sets a maximum allowable time that people can spend traveling for work.
If the working day does not exceed six hours, the one-way travel time to work must be no more than 2.5 hours, and up to three hours if it is longer.
The changes to the law also provide for integration internships for refugees.
In addition, employers will receive a subsidy if they exempt refugees from working to complete vocational language courses.
The changes still need to be approved by the German parliament. They are expected to enter into force at the end of the year.