Germany wants to introduce a payment card for refugees. Fourteen of the 16 federal states are participating in the implementation.
Bank transfers are blocked. That is, it prevents the possibility of transferring money from state support to the person’s country of origin. The card cannot be used to pay for goods or services abroad. Thus, the money can only be spent in Germany. There is also a limit on cash withdrawals from such a card.
In case of misuse of funds, the card may be canceled at the request of the authorities. We are talking about beauty salons and entertainment centers; alcohol and cigarettes are not included.
Lower Saxony Prime Minister Stefan Weil said: “The financial support provided under the Asylum Seekers’ Assistance Act is intended to ensure subsistence in Germany – it is not intended to finance families back home and entertainment.”
The Minister for Refugees and Integration of North Rhine-Westphalia, Paul, expects the planned implementation to reduce administrative costs. The payment card will no longer require cash payments at certain points. It’s also a relief for refugees, as they no longer have to line up at a certain time to receive money, says Paul. This card is expected to be introduced by the summer.
