Austrian government to fine refugees that refuse to learn German and integrate
'The migrant inflow should be reduced but those, who do have the right to get asylum, should be integrated into society'
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Austria's Foreign Minister has announced any refugee refusing to attend special integration courses or learn German could see their social benefits cut.
Sebastian Kurz told an economic forum in Davos, Greece: "Those who are not willing to learn German, who do not want to be part of the labor market, who are not ready to attend an integration course, will face social benefits cuts, it is an absolutely necessary next step.
"The migrant inflow should be reduced but those, who do have the right to get asylum, should be integrated into society."
Austrian authorities have planned eight hour "value and orientation" training courses which aim to teach refugees Austrian laws and social norms.
These courses will be part of a wider integration program and will be held in Arabic, Farsi/Dari and English - reports RT.
Mr Kurz's statement was reiterated by Markus Wallner, the head of the Voralberg region in Austria: "There can eventually be no avoidance behavior. Specifically, if someone avoids attending the values training course, [his] social benefits should be reduced."
Austria has announced a plan to cap the number of new arrivals in 2016 to 37,500.
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