German MP calls for end to social benefits paid to Ukrainian men of fighting age
(MENAFN) A member of the German Bundestag, Stephan Mayer, has called for an end to social benefits being paid to Ukrainian men of fighting age residing in Germany. He argues that these individuals should either seek employment within Germany or return to Ukraine to join the military.
Since the conflict began, over 304,000 Ukrainian men between the ages of 18 and 63 have arrived in Germany, with roughly half receiving “citizen’s benefits” typically reserved for German citizens and EU nationals who are unemployed or have very low income, according to recent reports.
This special financial support for Ukrainians was introduced under a law passed in May 2022, granting them access to higher benefits than other asylum seekers.
“Citizen’s benefits for Ukrainian men of fighting age must finally be stopped,” Mayer stated. “If almost 151,000 Ukrainians aged between 18 and 63 are getting social benefits from us, then something is wrong.” He insists these men should not qualify for such aid and “must either work here in Germany or perform military service in Ukraine.”
The German Federal Employment Agency estimates that the government spends approximately €1.328 billion (about $1.53 billion) annually on these benefits for military-age Ukrainians.
Germany has become a major destination for Ukrainians fleeing the conflict, with estimates indicating that over a million Ukrainians were living in the country as of late 2024. Previous reports suggested that around 720,000 Ukrainians were receiving citizen’s benefits last October. Former Chancellor Olaf Scholz has also emphasized the importance of encouraging Ukrainian refugees to work.
Although Ukraine prohibited most men aged 18 to 60 from leaving the country when it enacted general mobilization in 2022, many reportedly managed to depart illegally. According to a Ukrainian lawmaker, around 1.2 million men avoided conscription by fleeing the country as of December 2024.
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the
information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept
any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images,
videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information
contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright
issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.
Legal Disclaimer:
EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
