In Germany, controversy has erupted after it was revealed that a Syrian asylum seeker, Ghazia A., receives 360,000 euros in state support. The man, who arrived from Turkey in 2015, has four wives and 23 children.
Despite polygamy being illegal in Germany, Ghazia still qualifies for substantial financial aid, according to experts.
The German government has asked Ghazia to choose one of his wives to be legally recognized under German law, and he selected Twasif. The other three women are considered “girlfriends” by authorities, though they live nearby and each has children with Ghazia. He spends two to three days at a time with each of his women and children, aiming to divide his time equally among them.
A financial expert from the German Employers’ Organization has estimated the amount of state support Ghazia’s family receives, though the exact figures haven’t been confirmed by the government. This isn’t the first time the family has raised eyebrows. Earlier, some of Ghazia’s sons tried to stop the girls from attending school, but authorities eventually ensured that all the daughters received an education. One daughter has since married and moved to Saudi Arabia.
