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Home NATIONALGovt mulls cut in asylum seekers’ benefits
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Tue, 27 Sep, 2016 12:01:30 AM
FTimes – STT Report, Sep 27
 
Refugees at the reception centre. File Photo Lehtikuva.
The government intends to cut unemployment benefits for those granted asylum and has prepared a draft law in this regard.
 
According to the draft law, the asylum seekers who will get residence permit will get integration benefits rather than labour market subsidies. 
 
The integration benefits would amount to 90 per cent of the basic allowance.
 
Meanwhile, several organisations have criticised the draft law prepared by the Ministry of Health and Social Affairs.
 
For example, the Finnish League for Human Rights said under the Constitution, the law should treat everyone who resides in Finland equally. 
 
Immigration authority officials are interviewing asylum seeker. File Photo Lehtikuva.
The ministry, however, claimed that the bill is not unconstitutional, as all those who have received a residence permit on asylum ground will be treated in the same way.
 
“The proposal sets those who have received international protection and other foreigners in an unequal position before the law compared to Finns,” said Finnish Refugee Council Executive Director Annu Lehtinen.
 
According to the ministry, the draft law aims to reduce the attractiveness of Finland for asylum seekers. 
 
The ministry justifies the cut on the fact that the general employment skills of the refugees are often weaker than those of other candidates.
 
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