Payment card for asylum seekers: Thuringia sets new standards!

Payment card for asylum seekers: Thuringia sets new standards!

From 2025, a uniform state payment card for asylum seekers will be introduced in Germany. This decision, which is welcomed by the district council, could be referred to as the "milestone of changing direction in migration policy". President Christian Herrgott (CDU) was positive about the introduction of the payment card, which is supposed to bundle the financial support for refugees in a uniform system. According to mdr , this card will make the administrative processes in the counties considerably simplify, since the counties are behind this new solution concept.

Steffen Kania, President of the Thuringia and City Association, also described the agreement as significant and emphasized the support for the administrations in independent cities. Nevertheless, there are also critical voices: The Thuringian Refugee Council describes the payment cards as "discrimination cards" that could restrict the social participation of refugees. In addition, per asylum expresses concerns that the cards would not prevent refugees from sending money to relatives in their home countries. It is pointed out that, regardless of the introduction of the payment cards, there are always opportunities to achieve cash.

function of the payment card

The new payment card will be designed as a debit card to which monthly credit for the asylum seekers will be set. Withdrawal in cash is only possible to a limited extent, although direct transfers are not permitted. Each federal state has freedom to determine the specific functions of these cards. While Bavaria and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania are already planning their own systems, a pilot project in Hamburg is initiated. Media service Integration reports that the CDU/CSU parliamentary group would like to reduce cash payments for asylum seekers in November 2023.

Currently there is no nationwide payment card system in Germany, but some cities such as Hannover and Echfeld have already done pioneering work. A failed pilot project in Erding based on the Wirecard bankruptcy 2020 shows the challenges of such initiatives. In international comparison, there are similar systems in countries such as France, Great Britain and Greece.

social benefits for refugees

With the introduction of the payment card, a connection to the social security of asylum seekers can also be seen. In the first few months after their arrival in Germany, they receive hardly any cash, but above all benefits in kind to meet their basic needs. These monthly services add up to about 150 euros "pocket money" for personal expenses. The amount of these social benefits is about 18 percent below the level of German social welfare, as asyl.net emphasized.

Overall, the right to social benefits is influenced by the residence status of the refugees. From the 18th month, asylum seekers are entitled to benefits that approach social welfare. These social benefits are calculated on the basis of the edge of the poorest 15 percent of the population, and there are also specific deductions for non -necessary expenses. In some federal states, the payment card is also regarded as an instrument to control the expenditure of refugees.

While the discussion about the payment card progresses, opinions on their purpose and effects on the social integration of refugees are divided. The path to financial participation remains a central topic in Germany's migration policy.