The Greek government plans to cut refugee benefits by 30%, BTA reported, citing the Greek Ministry of Migration. The measure aims to reduce incentives for asylum seekers and thus reduce budget costs.
The overall reduction in asylum-related funding, from 400 million to 288 million euros per year, is focused on the "Helios" housing scheme, which includes rental subsidies for refugees. These benefits are planned to be stopped. Instead, the money will be channeled into labour market integration and Greek language learning programmes.
Greece's Migration Minister Thanos Plevris explained that anyone granted asylum in the future will no longer live on permanent benefits, but will be integrated into society through work. He indicated that future support payments will only cover the bare necessities.
The government of Kyriakos Mitsotakis claims that the measures are in line with European Union requirements. Greece is seeking to cut costs while at the same time becoming a less attractive destination for migrants.
In future, anyone who stays in Greece illegally and refuses to leave voluntarily will face a minimum sentence of three years in prison.