New payment system makes everyday life easier for refugees in northwest Mecklenburg

New payment system makes everyday life easier for refugees in northwest Mecklenburg

The introduction of the payment card for refugees in northwest Mecklenburg has brought a breath of fresh air into the everyday lives of the numerous asylum seekers since mid-May 2023. It all started with the switch from cash payments to a modern credit system. In the past, the region was a little behind compared to its neighbors such as Schwerin and Ludwigslust-Parchim - payment cards were introduced there earlier. District Administrator Tino Schomann (CDU) did not leave the state government of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania in good stead because formal errors delayed implementation and thus denied the refugees rapid help.

The payment cards were first issued in shared accommodation before they were also distributed to people in decentralized accommodation. According to current figures, by September 30, 2023, 549 people in the district already have active payment cards that can be used in everyday life like a conventional checking card. There is a monthly cash withdrawal of up to 50 euros, which is possible free of charge. All of these measures were taken to make everyday life easier for refugees and are viewed positively by both the responsible authorities and users.

How does the payment card work?

The payment card enables refugees to use its services practically and conveniently to purchase everyday goods. However, transfers abroad are excluded. The aim of this is to prevent possible abuses in the system. In total, there are around 5,300 refugees accommodated in the Northwest Mecklenburg district who will benefit from this change. The system is currently being expanded to include asylum seekers already living in the district, with the aim of a complete changeover by the end of the third quarter of 2025, as wismar.fm explains in detail.

Experience with the payment card shows that it not only represents an improvement for refugees, but also makes things easier for the administration. The Ludwigslust-Parchim district, which has taken similar steps, also expressed satisfaction with the change, as monthly asylum seeker benefits will now be transferred directly to those affected' accounts. However, there is also criticism of the limit of 50 euros in cash per household per month, which could represent a financial bottleneck for many.

Uniform regulations in Germany?

The situation surrounding payment cards is not regulated uniformly in Germany. While a cash withdrawal of a maximum of 50 euros per person per month applies in 13 of 16 federal states, the regulations vary considerably in the individual regions. In Thuringia and Rhineland-Palatinate, for example, higher withdrawal limits of up to 130 euros would be recommended, while use is largely restricted in Bavaria and Saxony-Anhalt. In North Rhine-Westphalia, several cities, including Cologne and Dortmund, are still voting on the introduction of the payment card.

The introduction of the payment card can be seen as part of a larger trend aimed at reducing cash withdrawals for refugees. Proponents argue that the system can simplify financial transactions and provide a clear overview. Critics, on the other hand, fear an additional burden on refugees in everyday life, as the possible uses are not very diverse and some important aspects of daily life remain restricted.

In summary, it can be said that the payment card for refugees in northwest Mecklenburg and other districts offers some advantages, but there are also challenges that need to be overcome. As the discussions in various European cities show, implementation remains an exciting topic for the future.

For further information you can read the articles from nordkurier.de and mediendienst-integration.de.