Berlin: Germany on Thursday proposed limiting access to welfare benefits for EU immigrants, after Britain won the right to impose such curbs in controversial reforms to its ties with the bloc.
Under a draft law drawn up by Labour Minister Andrea Nahles, unemployed European citizens living in Germany would qualify for social assistance only if they have worked in the country for at least five years.
For those who do not qualify for such benefits, a bridging subsistence allowance of a maximum of four weeks would be offered.
At the same time, they can obtain a loan to pay for flights to return to their home country where they can apply for social assistance.
Britain's move to curb benefits had rattled central and eastern European countries which deem the measure discriminatory to their citizens.
Berlin had for a long time been opposed to imposing such limits but changed its stance after a federal court ruled in December that every EU citizen, even if unemployed, has the right to claim welfare benefits after residing in Germany for more than six months.
The decision sparked fears of "welfare tourism" by citizens of EU countries where the standard of living is far lower than Germany's.
While noting that there has not been a sudden surge in welfare claimants following the court's ruling, Nahles said: "I want to close this loophole, for as long as the difference between the level of social benefits and wages is as wide as they are now."
In the face of criticism from the opposition, Nahles defended her proposal, saying it was in line with EU law.
"Each of these citizens has the right to obtain welfare payments from their countries of origin, but at the level of those countries," she argued.
The draft proposal has to secure cabinet backing before being put to parliament for approval.
AFP
