The Federal government has approved a ten-point plan aimed at combating the misuse and exploitation of social benefits. Both the Federal Ministry of the Interior and the Federal Ministry of Labor announced the plan on Wednesday.
The strategy is specifically targeted at abuse related to EU immigration. Key measures include improving data exchange between relevant authorities, making employers liable for overpaid social benefits in the future, and preventing properties bought solely for the purposes of social benefit fraud. Furthermore, individuals who are sought under arrest warrants will no longer be eligible for social benefits. The plan also emphasizes strengthening information and counseling services in people’s home countries to protect them against misleading promises.
Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU) stated that the goal is to close loopholes within the social safety net, promising “a clear line against social fraudsters.” Meanwhile, Labor Minister Bärbel Bas (SPD) acknowledged that Germany requires skilled foreign labor but stressed that the freedom of movement must not be exploited for the sake of exploitation. She asserted, “We are now taking a tougher stance against this; we do not tolerate exploitation or misuse of social benefits.”
