Union politicians would like to encourage asylum seekers to do community service, and this is already being specifically planned in a Thuringian district. What are the legal and bureaucratic requirements?
Christian Herrgott (CDU), district administrator in the Saale-Orla district in Thuringia, wants to oblige asylum seekers to do community service. They should work four hours a day and can earn a maximum of 64 euros per month. Currently, 50 asylum seekers have already been hired, says Herrgott – to clean the accommodation, do winter service, and do green cutting. If those affected refuse, their asylum benefits may be reduced by up to 180 euros.