Saxony-Anhalt introduces the payment card for asylum seekers-revolution in social affairs!

Saxony-Anhalt introduces the payment card for asylum seekers-revolution in social affairs!

In Saxony-Anhalt, the administration takes the next step in integration policy: the extensive introduction of a payment card for asylum seekers is almost complete. Around 8,500 of these cards have already been issued to beneficiaries. According to Dubisthalle Saxony-Anhalt thus sets a sign as one of the first federal states that introduces such a system nationwide.

With this new credit -based payment card that has a debit function and does not require any account, asylum seekers should receive their state services easier and more safely. The card enables discriminatory -free electronic payment in shops without cash being necessary. The monthly amounts are booked directly onto the card, which can then be used for paying in retail.

relief for the municipalities and prevention of abuse

Interior Minister Dr. Tamara Zieschang emphasizes that the payment card should achieve better control and order in migration policy. With the new system, false incentives are to be avoided and transparency in government services is increasing. One central goal is to prevent money flows abroad and effectively make the support of criminal smuggling structures more difficult, as can be found from mi.sachsen-anhalt.de

Experience already shows positive effects: for the first time, a noticeable relief for the municipalities could be determined in terms of cash expenses. Prof. Dr. Ariane Berger, who is committed to the Saxony-Anhalt district council, welcomes the introduction of the payment card. It emphasizes that this measure also minimizes the administrative effort caused by cash payments.

framework and restrictions

The cards are limited to 50 euros cash withdrawals per person per person and can only be used in Germany. International transfers are also excluded; Exceptions apply only to urgently needed needs within Germany. Online shop grinding is also not allowed. The payment card is blocked abroad, which is intended to ensure a secure use of social benefits.

The introduction of the payment card is part of a comprehensive model that was decided by the federal and state governments in November 2023. A total of 14 federal states have agreed to introduce this system, while Bavaria and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania develop their own solutions. In some pilot projects in Thuringia and Lower Saxony, different results show what the government and human rights organizations are concerned with, as reported by ZDF today.

The payment card has the potential to simplify the integration of asylum seekers and at the same time reduce the administrative effort. The country bears the costs for the introduction and operation and sees this as a necessary step to optimize administrative processes. The focus is on minimizing influx incentives and reducing irregular migration, while existing asylum procedures are given.