VIENNA TARGETS MIGRANTS BY CUTTING BENEFITS

BERLIN Foreigners who have moved to Austria but have not yet picked up the language are to be penalized under controversial reforms to the country’s social welfare system, as the rightwing government steps up its efforts to deter immigration.

The Austrian government plans to penalize the unemployed by cutting 300 euros ($450) from their monthly benefits if they do not fulfil certain language requirements.

The far-right Freedom Party reforms would target immigrants and ethnic minorities in several ways.

A sizable cut in welfare payments to families with more than two children is likely to hit migrant families, while local authorities will also be compelled to tell the government how many welfare recipients are from ethnic minorities.

Previous attempts at legislation have fallen foul of EU law, which requires EU citizens to be treated equally to citizens of the member state.