Burgenland forces asylum seekers to work for 1.60 euros
Daniela Winkler, an official in the Burgenland government (SPÖ), announced that asylum seekers receiving basic state assistance will be required to perform tasks in municipalities, the state government, or the Landesholding institution in the future. Those who refuse twice without a valid reason will lose a significant portion of this assistance.
Winkler explained that those who receive permanent support from the state must also take responsibility towards society. She added that individual cases such as family obligations, health, and personal pressures are taken into account. However, if someone refuses suitable work twice as deemed by the state, basic support will be significantly reduced, limited only to essential needs.
In this case, the asylum seeker will only receive a place to sleep instead of an apartment, without food allowances or health insurance, while basic meals and medical care will continue to be provided. Roland Forst, head of the SPÖ faction, confirmed that this is in line with the applicable laws.
Asylum seekers will be employed in areas such as garden maintenance, snow removal, care for sports facilities, cleaning public places, assisting in events, and supporting nursing homes, libraries, and municipal institutions. They will receive a symbolic reward of 1.60 euros per hour. Those without caregiving obligations can work up to 30 hours a week, while those with obligations can work only up to 20 hours.
Currently, there are about 130 working-age individuals who may be included in this measure in Burgenland, while the demand for labor in the municipalities is estimated to be equivalent to 24 full-time jobs.
Winkler sees this model as having dual benefits, as it relieves the burden on municipalities and gives asylum seekers a sense of stability and meaning in times of uncertainty. It also helps them interact with local residents, enhancing their German language learning and accelerating the integration process. Forest reiterated the state's commitment to the maximum of 330 people per year in the basic support system, given the pressures the region has faced, as about 90% of refugees entering Austria come through Burgenland.