Money transfers abroad are no longer possible, the payment card for refugees is coming – albeit in Germany and not in Austria, where there is only very hesitant discussion on the subject. It is not unknown to us: a pro-asylum front has also formed among our neighbors against the new map. One of the arguments: Then the refugees will no longer have money for mobile phones. The model is against ‘human dignity’.
According to media reports, refugees transfer up to 43.5 billion euros abroad every year; in 2018, according to the FAZ, this was more than 18 billion euros – the taxpayer therefore indirectly subsidizes the family members of asylum seekers in their home country. Our neighbors quickly came up with the idea of a payment card that would prevent refugee aid from crossing the border.
What can the new card do?
Transfers are blocked. From now on, smuggler loans can no longer be repaid with social benefits.
The card does not work abroad. The cards for our goods expire when you travel to Austria. Refugees must stay in their neighborhoods.
Only minimal contributions can be withdrawn, a kind of pocket money. Clothing, food, etc. can be purchased with the card. No online purchases from abroad. Immediate ban in case of misuse.
Anyone who is against it
In Germany, it is mainly the PRO Asyl organization that – not surprisingly – does not think anything of the refugee card and explains it as follows:
Explanation 1
“Transfers should not be possible: without a transfer option, refugees are excluded from daily life. However, transfers are indispensable nowadays – for example for a mobile phone subscription and small purchases on the Internet. Refugees must also be able to pay by bank for the lawyers they need for the asylum procedure.”
Explanation 2
“No minimum amount for cash withdrawal: The ability to have cash is primarily necessary to secure the – constitutionally guaranteed – socio-cultural minimum subsistence. Anyone who attacks this attacks the human dignity of those affected. Anyone who lives in Germany without cash and can only buy a few things in a few shops loses their self-determination and experiences humiliating experiences, for example when there is no euro for the public toilet or the contribution to the class fund.
Explanation 3
“Regional restriction: The regional restriction of the card clearly represents an attempt at socio-political intimidation to restrict the freedom of movement of those affected through the back door: anyone who visits family or friends or wants to go further to a specialist or counseling center could be in serious danger problems come, advised when he can’t even buy a bottle of water.
And what does the card do?
In two districts in Thuringia, it has emerged that some asylum seekers are leaving again, preferring cash instead of a payment card. In December there were 15 asylum seekers there. An interesting fact when it is always said that social benefits have no appeal…
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
