Barrier to asylum seeker benefits – 'Immigration is not black or white'

The Deputy Minister of Welfare and Social Insurance, Anastasia Anthousi, was hosted on the Front Page, who spoke, among other things, about the allowances that asylum seekers receive.

He initially stated that the benefits are international obligations of the state and the European Union. "As an allowance we give €260 per month and if he has a rental document then we give the rent to the owner."

He added that several insurance measures were taken. "The problem is that they were getting the allowance while they were doing illegal and undeclared work." He explained that they connected the systems, social security and the labor department. "He who has social security, the benefit ends." He noted that the checks on the places of residence of the asylum seekers were strengthened.

Then Ms. Anthousi mentioned that 6.500 asylum seekers are working legally. "There is a relevant decree from the Ministry of Labor for work in jobs where there is a real need such as agriculture and animal husbandry."

He pointed out that the state has saved money from the measures taken on benefits. "Immigration is not black or white. There are well-wishers who will take advantage of human suffering."

He also spoke about unaccompanied children, stressing that various discussions are taking place. "We are trying to increase the reunification of these children with their families." He added that there is also the problem of age estimation. "The traffickers teach them."

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