The German government intends to revoke the standard unemployment benefit for Ukrainian refugees arriving after March 31, replacing it with lower asylum‑related assistance, a move that Polish officials now echo.
Policy Shift Targets New Arrivals
The German plan will remove the right to standard unemployment assistance for Ukrainians who reach Germany after March 31, 2025.
They will instead be eligible for a benefit tied to asylum status, roughly 20 percent lower than the ordinary allowance.
Polish Officials Demand Swift Implementation
Polish minister Armina Schuster urged authorities to enact the change immediately, stating that the number of Ukrainian refugees is rising again.
Countries’ Diverging Numbers
Recent figures from Saxon authorities show an increase to 100 arrivals in a week ending August 31, up from 35 between July 28 and August 3.
These rises are partly blamed on Poland tightening its social benefits for Ukrainian citizens.
Existing German Regulations
Since mid‑2022 Germany has allowed refugees to work and, if earnings are insufficient, to receive unemployment benefits amounting to €563 for single persons.
Draft Law Proposed by Labor Ministry
In August the German Ministry of Labor released a draft act that would cut the right to unemployment benefits for Ukrainian newcomers.
According to the Federal Employment Agency, about 700,000 Ukrainian refugees are currently eligible for benefits, including 200,000 children.
