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24 Oct. 2024

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Germany proposes to change the status of refugees from Ukraine: details of the reform

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Germany proposes to change the status of refugees from Ukraine: details of the reform

Germany plans to change the legal status of Ukrainian refugees and reform the system of social benefits. Find out what changes are proposed by German Finance Minister Christian Lindner and how they will affect Ukrainians

Legal assistance on migration issues for Ukrainians in Ukraine and abroad
Legal assistance on migration issues for Ukrainians in Ukraine and abroad
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German Federal Minister of Finance Christian Lindner has launched an initiative to change the legal status of Ukrainian refugees. He spoke about this in an interview with WirtschaftsWoche magazine. The main goal of the proposal is to optimize public spending on social benefits and encourage employment of Ukrainians.


We talked about fines for unemployed refugees and other changes that Ukrainians in Germany will face by the end of 2024 in our previous article.


What prompted the German government to make the changes?


Currently, Ukrainian refugees in Germany receive “civic money” (Bürgergeld), social unemployment benefits on an equal footing with German citizens. According to the Minister of Finance, this system needs to be revised to ensure more efficient use of budget funds.




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Main directions of the proposed reform



The Minister proposes to create a separate legal status for refugees from Ukraine. Ukrainians will not be subject to the standard asylum procedure, but they will not have automatic access to a full package of social benefits.


Changes in the social benefits system


Instead of the current Bürgergeld, it is planned to introduce a combined system that will include:


– Benefits for asylum seekers (lower than the benefits currently provided)

– Special instruments to stimulate employment


Reform of housing compensation


The system of housing reimbursement may also undergo significant changes:


– Shift from compensation of actual costs to a flat rate

– Providing refugees with the opportunity to choose their own housing in accordance with a set budget

– Independent regulation of utility costs


Expected results of the reform


According to Christian Lindner, the proposed changes will allow to


– Significantly reduce budget expenditures

– Increase the level of employment among Ukrainian refugees

– Optimize the use of housing and utilities


The proposals are currently under discussion. The Minister of Finance emphasizes the potential savings of “billions of euros” by optimizing housing costs and reforming the social welfare system. However, no specific timeframe for implementing the changes has been announced.


If you have any questions about changing your legal status or need advice on migration issues, we recommend that you contact professional lawyers. Qualified Visit Ukraine specialists in migration law will help you understand all the nuances of the new legislation and protect your rights in Germany.


We remind you! This year many Ukrainians living in Germany can take advantage of the Wohngeld housing subsidy. This is an important financial support for those who have a low income and cannot fully cover their housing costs. Read more about who is eligible and how to get it in our previous article.


Photo: Adobe Stock / Olga Yastremska


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Frequantly

asked questions

How can refugees enter Germany in 2024?

Ukrainians can enter Germany without a visa with a biometric passport. They can stay in the country without additional permits for 90 days, but during this period, refugees are required to apply for a residence permit (usually a residence permit according to § 24, paragraph 1, of the Residence Act) at the local foreigners' office. Since Ukrainians have no influence on how long it will take the authorities to process the application for a residence permit, it is sufficient to submit the application within the 90-day period, and this will guarantee legal residence in Germany until the application is processed.

Which regions of Germany are accepting Ukrainians in 2024?

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