Austria will cut social benefits

Austria will cut social benefits

Immigrants in Austria without a good level of German are set to see their social benefits cut under new government plans.

The proposals could see monthly payouts for the unemployed cut by €300 if they do not meet language requirements.

"Those who are unwilling to integrate, those who do not want to learn the German language … will receive less in the future," Austria's Chancellor Sebastian Kurz said on Twitter.

"First justice for Austrians, foreigners will have to wait," said social affairs minister Beate Hartinger-Klein, of the far-right Freedom Party (FPO), part of the governing coalition.

The government also wants to cut family benefits for workers whose children live abroad, a move that could hit migrant families.

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