Otherwise there will be cuts; now comes the obligation to work for asylum seekers

Refugees should be introduced earlier to the values ​​that apply here and encouraged to do charity work – additional employment opportunities should also be created for this purpose.

The measure only affects a small proportion of asylum seekers
Of course, the new rules only apply to asylum seekers in federal care, that is, those at the very beginning of the process. Of the 35,000 refugees receiving basic care, only 1,600 are currently cared for by the federal government. Displaced people in Ukraine are not included and are not affected by the changes.

Karner pointed out during the press conference that the states had requested appropriate measures. The federal government has now created “key benchmarks” that states, which provide the much larger share of basic services, can use as guidance. The minister cannot, of course, oblige them to do so.

Missing value courses lead to a reduction in pocket money
What should actually change from the end of June: there should be mandatory participation in values ​​courses for newcomers through the Federal Healthcare Agency (BBU) and the integration fund. Topics such as culture and etiquette, equality, democracy, the role of men and women and anti-Semitism are discussed in an overview. Four modules of 90 minutes each are planned, as Raab explained. Those who go missing receive a discount on their pocket money.

BBU director Andreas Achrainer sees that very important content is conveyed here. Most refugees themselves are “curious about how people behave in Austria”. Additional advantage according to Achrainer: We have always had the experience that heads of families in particular have a strong influence on young girls who want to know more about duties and rights. The obligation is an advantage here.

Halving 40 euros pocket money if you refuse to work
As for the work federal health care providers must do, Karner referred to it as a “duty to work.” In fact, it involves halving your pocket money of 40 euros if you refuse to do an activity. These punishments are probably rarely enforced, as Achrainer reported waiting lists in federal healthcare institutions to take on a job: “Everyone wants to do something useful.”

The director of the BBU is therefore pleased that the options for asylum seekers are being expanded. In addition to activities with the federal, state and local governments, activities are also possible with non-profit public organizations or companies that are entitled to at least five community service employees. Karner mentioned winter service and assistance in nursing homes and libraries as potential areas of work. The income will not be particularly generous. The Minister of the Interior mentioned a ‘recognition contribution’ of 1.50 euros per hour. In any case, Karner says, “Anyone who is supported by the general public should also give something back.”

The fact that most refugees enter federal care only at the beginning of their process and then move into state-organized accommodation as quickly as possible does not make the case any less sensible for Achrainer. The “flow” from the federal government to the states is currently working well, but there have also been times when refugees have stayed in federal care for six months or even longer.