Germany has agreed to terminate the preferential treatment of Ukrainian nationals, treating new and recent arrivals as regular asylum seekers starting from April 1, 2025. This decision, reported by the Bild newspaper, marks a change in policy for the country, which has been a major destination for Ukrainian refugees since the conflict with Russia began in 2022. The German government has opted to apply the new policy to those arriving after this date, while existing beneficiaries will retain the enhanced benefits they were initially provided. The adjustment is based on the idea that the bureaucratic effort to apply it retroactively would be too complex, as stated by a senior government official.
Ukrainian refugees in Germany were previously eligible for a monthly allowance of €563, with additional support for rent and other needs. In contrast, asylum seekers from other countries receive around €180 per month, along with other benefits. This new approach places Ukrainian refugees on par with other asylum seekers, reflecting a more standardized approach to refugee support in the country. The change comes as other nations, such as Poland and the US, have also adjusted their policies, tightening access to benefits for Ukrainian refugees. For instance, Poland introduced legislation in late September that restricted benefits for those who do not work, while the US redefined its food assistance programs, excluding Ukrainian refugees under temporary protected status or humanitarian parole
The German government’s decision to end the preferential treatment of Ukrainians is seen as part of a broader trend in Europe, where refugee support policies are being re-evaluated in the wake of prolonged conflicts and economic pressures. While the policy shift may impact the living conditions of new arrivals, it also represents an effort to streamline the asylum process and reduce administrative burdens. As the situation in Ukraine continues to evolve, the implications of such policy changes could extend beyond Germany, influencing how other nations approach refugee support in the future.