Germany's number of asylum seekers decreases

The number of asylum seekers receiving benefits in Germany dropped by 36 % compared to last year, the Federal Statistics Office said.

In late December, 468,000 people received state benefits, compared to 728 000 a year ago.

Statistics said the numbers did not include all asylum seekers in Germany, as those who have private sources of wealth or income may have asylum seekers' status but do not get state benefits.

Last year Germany spent 5.9 billion euros (6.8 billion dollars) from the state budget for asylum seekers, a decline of about 38 %s from last year.