Asylum Seekers Contributed 250,000 Hours of Community Service

70 percent of the asylum seekers accommodated under the federal basic care program took on tasks such as maintaining green spaces. The rest refused such work and therefore had to manage with reduced pocket money.

3,115 Asylum Seekers Have Performed 250,000 Hours of Community Service

The corresponding regulation has been in effect since last summer for refugees accommodated under the federal basic care program. This is only a small portion of the asylum seekers. At the beginning of February, more than 66,000 people were under state care, but only just over 1,300 in one of the federal facilities. There are now only eight of these facilities. Those accommodated in one of these facilities must participate in community tasks. These can be completed at green or sports facilities owned by the municipalities. Ten hours per month must be completed. Exempt from the regulation are persons under 16 and those who cannot be reasonably expected to perform the tasks for health reasons.

So far, 3,115 refugees have been deployed, who have collectively performed nearly a quarter of a million hours of work. 30 percent of those obligated refused the work. They cannot be forced, but a portion of their pocket money of 40 euros per month can certainly be withheld. Interior Minister Gerhard Karner (ÖVP) intends to continue the activities: "Those who receive protection and support should also give something back to the community." The "work obligation" is an important measure "for a tough but fair asylum policy in Austria."

(APA/Red)

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