(GERMANY) Bavarian Premier Markus Söder has called for an immediate end to the citizen’s allowance for Ukrainian refugees in Germany, sparking a heated national debate. Söder’s proposal, announced on August 3, 2025, would move all Ukrainian refugees from the current welfare system to a lower level of support, raising questions about fairness, integration, and Germany’s role in supporting people fleeing war.
What Is Happening and Why Now?
Söder, the Bavarian Premier, told German broadcaster ZDF that Germany is the only country in Europe giving Ukrainian refugees the same welfare benefits as its own citizens. He wants to stop the citizen’s allowance (known in German as Bürgergeld) for all Ukrainian refugees and instead give them the smaller payments that asylum seekers receive. This change would affect both new arrivals and those already living in Germany.
Other conservative leaders, like Saxony’s Premier Michael Kretschmer, have backed Söder’s call. Thorsten Frei, chief of staff to Chancellor Friedrich Merz, also supports the idea, saying that too few Ukrainian refugees are working and that the current system costs too much. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, this proposal has quickly become a major political issue, with strong opinions on both sides.
How Many People Would This Affect?
Germany is home to about 1.2 million Ukrainian refugees, part of the more than 5 million who have fled to Europe since Russia’s 2022 invasion. As of August 2025, all Ukrainian refugees in Germany—no matter when they arrived—receive the citizen’s allowance. This benefit is much higher than what asylum seekers get and is meant to help people cover basic living costs like rent, food, and health insurance.
| Year | Total Citizen’s Allowance Spending | Spent on Ukrainian Refugees | % of Welfare Budget | Employment Rate (Working-Age Ukrainian Refugees) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | €46.9 billion | €6.3 billion | ~30% | ~33% |
Supporters of Söder’s plan say this is too much for the country to afford, especially when only about one in three working-age Ukrainian refugees has a job.
What Do Supporters Say?
Söder and his supporters argue that the current system is unfair and too expensive. They say that giving Ukrainian refugees the same benefits as German citizens discourages them from finding work and puts a heavy strain on public finances. Michael Kretschmer, the Premier of Saxony, wants a full review of how much support refugees get. Thorsten Frei, from Chancellor Merz’s office, points to the low employment rate among Ukrainian refugees as proof that the system needs to change.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz himself has said that Germany will keep helping those who truly need it, but he agrees that the rules should be stricter and that people who can work should be expected to do so.
What Do Critics Say?
Not everyone agrees with Söder’s proposal. Oleksii Makeiev, the Ukrainian Ambassador to Germany, strongly criticized the idea. He says that Ukrainian refugees should not be blamed for Germany’s economic problems and that cutting their benefits will not solve income issues for German citizens. Humanitarian groups warn that lowering benefits could make it harder for refugees to pay for food, housing, and other basics. They also worry that it could lead to more poverty and make it harder for Ukrainian refugees to settle into German society.
Critics also say that the current support helps refugees focus on learning German and finding jobs, rather than just surviving. They warn that reducing benefits could push people into low-paying or unsafe work and increase social tension.
What Is the Current Law?
In May 2025, the German government agreed that Ukrainian refugees arriving after April 1, 2025, would only get the lower asylum-level benefits. However, this rule has not yet become law because of delays in the legislative process. As a result, all Ukrainian refugees—including those who arrived after April 1—still receive the citizen’s allowance as of August 5, 2025.
Any change to the system would need to go through the federal parliament. This means there will be more debate and possibly legal challenges before anything changes. The issue is highly political, with right-wing parties using it to push anti-immigration messages, while the government tries to balance helping refugees with keeping costs under control.
What Would Change If the Proposal Passes?
If Söder’s plan becomes law, all Ukrainian refugees in Germany would see their benefits reduced to the lower level given to asylum seekers. These payments are less generous and come with stricter rules, such as limits on where people can live and what they can spend money on. This would affect both people already in Germany and anyone who arrives in the future.
The goal is to save money and encourage more Ukrainian refugees to find jobs. However, critics say it could make life much harder for refugees and slow down their integration into German society.
What Happens Next?
The debate is still ongoing, and no changes have been made yet. The German government is expected to keep discussing the issue in the coming weeks, with possible votes in parliament during the fall. The final decision will depend on talks between the parties in the ruling coalition, public opinion, and reactions from both German and Ukrainian officials.
Key Points to Remember
- 📋 Bavarian Premier Markus Söder wants to end the citizen’s allowance for all Ukrainian refugees.
- 📋 The proposal would move refugees to the lower benefits given to asylum seekers.
- 📋 Supporters say this will save money and push more refugees to find work.
- 📋 Critics warn it could lead to more poverty and make it harder for refugees to settle in Germany.
- 📋 No law has changed yet; all Ukrainian refugees still get the citizen’s allowance as of August 5, 2025.
- 📋 The issue is highly political and could take months to resolve.
What Should Ukrainian Refugees and Supporters Do?
Ukrainian refugees in Germany should stay informed about possible changes to their benefits. It is important to check official government sources, such as the German Federal Ministry of the Interior and Community, for the latest updates. Refugees can also contact local support organizations or the Ukrainian Embassy in Germany for help and advice.
Employers, social workers, and volunteers who work with Ukrainian refugees should be ready to explain possible changes and help people prepare for any new rules. This might include helping refugees look for jobs, find language classes, or apply for different types of support.
Conclusion
The future of the citizen’s allowance for Ukrainian refugees in Germany remains uncertain. While some leaders want to cut benefits to save money and encourage work, others warn that this could hurt vulnerable people and slow down their integration. As the debate continues, it is important for everyone affected to stay informed and seek support when needed.
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