3000 asylum seekers lose benefits

A crackdown on the misuse and abuse of benefits has led to 3,000 asylum seekers having their payments cut, while restrictions on how they spend the money are also reportedly on their way.

Those removed from the payroll were found to be working, either legally or illegally and therefore breaching their eligibility for state assistance.

Deputy social welfare minister Anastasia Anthousi told daily Phileleftheros that 100 to 150 asylum seekers have their payments suspended each day, while investigations are carried out, with 3,000 having been cut off entirely since October.

She further stated that her office has sought an opinion as to whether they would be able to recover the money from those who were in breach of the conditions – receiving money when they shouldn’t have been.

The deputy ministry is also looking into whether it could issue specific credit cards to asylum seekers from which they’ll receive and be able to spend their money – albeit with major restrictions.

The aim of such a move is to stamp out the alleged practice of state benefits being used as remittances, with some accused of sending money abroad.

The cards would also have spending restrictions, namely on the types of goods which will be permissible to purchase – as the ministry wants to stop asylum seekers from spending their money on products such as alcohol.

Under the plan, asylum seekers would only be allowed to withdraw 20 per cent of their money in cash; the rest would have to be card payments.

Overall, the state would be better placed to oversee how the money is spent – a process which would require the deputy ministry to link up with the central and commercial banks.

Between 6,500 and 7,000 asylum seekers are currently receiving benefits.