'We are Merkel's guests': Asylum seekers heading to Germany are 'refusing to work' insisting they were INVITED into the country

Asylum seekers in Germany are said to be refusing work in eastern town

Waldenburg mayor claimed they said they were 'guests of Angela Merkel'

He said they had declined voluntary jobs offered to them since arriving

Local council had come up with idea to integrate them into community

By SAM TONKIN FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 22:30 GMT, 18 August 2016 | UPDATED: 01:02 GMT, 19 August 2016

Asylum seekers in Germany are said to be refusing work and instead insisting they are 'guests of Angela Merkel'.

They have declined voluntary jobs offered to them since arriving in the country and used the hospitality of the German Chancellor as an excuse, a town mayor said.

Bernd Pohlers said asylum seekers in the eastern town of Waldenburg, Saxony, were refusing to take on work as a way of counteracting their boredom.


Claim: Mayor Bernd Pohlers (left) said asylum seekers in the eastern town of Waldenburg, Saxony, were r
efusing work and instead insisting they are 'guests of Angela Merkel (right)'

The local council is said to have spent £600 arranging for the men to have uniforms, according to the Daily Express, but was left shocked at being told the jobs wouldn't be done because they were 'guests'.

Under EU immigration rules, asylum seekers are not allowed to work but can carry out voluntary jobs.

Officials in Waldenburg came up with an idea of encouraging those without employment to get back to work and integrate with their local community.

The opportunity for voluntary work, which included a nominal payment of £18 for 20 hours, was initially accepted - but the male asylum seeker residents quit after finding out there was a minimum wage of £7.30 (€8.50) in Germany.


Refusal: The asylum seekers have declined voluntary jobs offered to them since arriving in Waldenburg
(pictured) and used the hospitality of the German Chancellor as an excuse


The local council is said to have spent £600 arranging for the men to have uniforms but was left shocked at
being told the jobs wouldn't be done. Two refugees are pictured in Germany

Mayor Pohlers said: 'It was subsequently argued by these people that they are guests of Mrs Merkel and guests do not have to work.

'Furthermore, they were of the opinion that there is a minimum wage (€8.50) in Germany, and that this had to be paid by the City Waldenburg.'

The town has confirmed that the asylum seekers are still not working.

Asylum seekers heading to Germany are 'refusing to work' because they were 'invited' | Daily Mail Online