Talk Forced labor today?

Obligations for asylum seekers—the dilemma between being forced and having no other option

When:
Fri, May 1, 2026, 6pm–7pm

Free admission

Duration:
approx. 1 hour

Meeting point:
Atrium of the Lenbachhaus

When:
Fri, May 1, 2026, 6pm–7pm

Free admission

Duration:
approx. 1 hour

Meeting point:
Atrium of the Lenbachhaus

Are so-called job opportunities a modern form of forced labor? We will address this question on May 1, 2026, in a conversation with Jana Weidhaase, an employee at the Bavarian Refugee Council, and Samba Bah. 
The FIBA Plus network aims to place refugees in jobs. The dilemma here is the lack of alternatives due to work bans and the simultaneous compulsion to perform work for 80 cents per hour, with far-reaching sanctions for non-compliance. The Ministry of the Interior promotes the 80-cent jobs as an opportunity and a chance to learn German. In reality, there is hardly any contact with German-speaking people and the jobs are community service, which asylum seekers are not required to do according to the Asylum Seekers Benefits Act.
Franz Wanner's exhibition “Suspended Presences” deals with forced labor under National Socialism. The discussion draws parallels to the precarious and exploitative working conditions of today.

With Samba Bah and Jana Weidhaase
Moderator: SamiraYildirim