Tightened Rules: Lower Austria Takes Action Against Asylum Fraudsters
This must be done in person at the responsible district administrative authority, announced Regional Councillor Martin Antauer (FPÖ) on Monday. If the proof is not provided, "all benefits will be suspended without exception," it was emphasized in a press release.
New Rule for Refugees in Private Quarters
"We want to make it as uncomfortable as possible for asylum fraudsters," stated Antauer. The measure is a "further determined step against the abuse of basic services." It is "completely unacceptable that people register in private accommodations to collect benefits at the taxpayer's expense, but actually live elsewhere or even go on vacation in their homeland," noted the FPÖ Regional Councillor.
Antauer also held the federal government accountable. It must "finally act" and implement a "consistent asylum stop."
FPÖ Deputy Regional Leader Udo Landbauer expressed similar sentiments. "We are clearing up the asylum chaos step by step, which the unified party has caused us. The cancellation of all benefits for asylum fraudsters is the next consistent step to make Lower Austria as unattractive as possible as an asylum location," emphasized the regional party leader of the Freedom Party in a press release. The measure taken is "a clear signal to all who believe they can exploit the social system. Basic services are not a vacation fund."
Support for the proof obligation for refugees in private accommodations came on Monday from the ÖVP, the Freedom Party's coalition partner in Lower Austria. After the introduction of the payment card in the state, this is a "further important step," said Kurt Hackl, club chairman of the People's Party, in a press release. "Our goal is clear: We want to keep Lower Austria as unattractive as possible for asylum fraudsters."
Astonishment at the Ministry of the Interior
At the Ministry of the Interior, there is "astonishment that such control mechanisms in Lower Austria for the area of individual accommodation have apparently not been established recently." "Presence checks are not a new or even harsh measure, but should merely be a long-practiced routine," it was stated from the ministry. "Especially in organized accommodation, this is also the case in a much tighter manner than once a month."
According to ORF Lower Austria, Antauer's office stated that, of course, checks have already been conducted, but on a random basis directly in the accommodations. This has repeatedly led to unclear situations, for example, because it could not be determined whether someone was only temporarily or generally absent. Therefore, the mandatory personal appearance at the district administrative authority is now being implemented.
(APA/Red)
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