Measures against benefit abuse

In the future, EU citizens who commit fraud or break the law to receive German social benefits could be prevented from re-entering the country for up to five years, according to a package of proposals approved by the federal government on Wednesday.

Berlin has been under growing pressure to prevent so-called "poverty migration." The debate has been fed by a public perception that migrants from Bulgaria and Romania have moved to Germany to use the country's social benefits. The two Balkan nations joined the EU in 2007.

According to a government report, migration from the two countries increased from 35,000 in 2004 to just under 181,000 in 2012. Overall, the number of non-German EU citizens living in Germany has increased from 2.8 million to 3.1 million over the past two years.

But Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere and Labor Minister Andrea Nahles admitted on Wednesday that "poverty migration" is not a widespread problem.

For municipalities that are disproportionately affected by migration from EU nations, Berlin has agreed to provide 25 million euros to help cover housing costs. In addition, the public health insurance providers will cover the costs of vaccinations for children from EU member states in Germany.

In the future, EU citizens living in Germany will also be required to find a job within six months. Benefit payments for children will also only be paid to EU families who have a tax identification number. Attempts to acquire visas through false pretenses will also be punished.

slk/hc (AFP, dpa, Reuters)