The coalition government in Germany, known as the Ampel coalition, has finally come to an agreement on a law regarding a payment card for asylum seekers after weeks of dispute. The SPD, Greens, and FDP announced that the payment card would serve as an effective means to prevent money transfers to human traffickers. The introduction of this card addresses the concerns of the federal states and aims to provide a secure and efficient system for distributing financial assistance to asylum seekers.
The SPD, Greens, and FDP factions have reached a consensus on the legislation for a payment card for asylum seekers, in response to the demands of the federal states. Prior to this agreement, the Greens had raised some concerns regarding specific details of the proposal. The amendment to the Asylum Seekers Benefits Act aims to establish a legal framework that ensures necessary financial support can be accessed locally, either through the payment card or in the form of cash assistance. Additionally, the use of the card for international transfers will be restricted. Overall, the introduction of the payment card will provide a more secure and convenient method of financial assistance for asylum seekers.
The federal and state governments had previously agreed on a standardized payment card system for refugees in November, with 14 states planning to implement a shared system. However, some states like Bayern and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern had opted to create their own payment cards. The new payment card system will function similarly to a regular bank card, with limitations on international transfers and restrictions on cash withdrawals. The demand for an amendment to the Asylum Seekers Benefits Act arose from the need to provide a legal framework for the implementation of the payment card system. The Greens initially opposed the amendment but ultimately agreed to the legislation.
In March, the Federal Cabinet in Germany reached a consensus on the draft amendment to the Asylum Seekers Benefits Act, which included the explicit mention of the payment card as a form of receiving social benefits. The proposed amendment also allows for asylum seekers living outside of communal facilities to be prioritized for the payment card system instead of cash assistance. Some details of the legislation are still pending approval in the Bundestag, such as potential exceptions for groups like employed individuals, trainees, or students. The Bundestag is expected to address these remaining issues when it reconvenes in the coming week, potentially putting the payment card system on its agenda for discussion and approval.
The introduction of the payment card system for asylum seekers in Germany marks a significant step towards ensuring transparent and secure financial assistance for this vulnerable population. The collaborative effort between the coalition parties and federal states demonstrates a commitment to addressing the needs and concerns of asylum seekers while also preventing illicit activities such as money transfers to human traffickers. The implementation of the payment card system is expected to streamline the distribution of financial assistance and provide a more efficient method for asylum seekers to access essential resources and services.
