Asylum seekers in Hamburg have been receiving payment cards since Thursday. The prepaid card contains a monthly credit of 185 euros, which can be used for everyday items. Child benefits are credited to a parent’s card.
The card is issued at the first reception centers. “It can be used both as a card and via a corresponding app on the smartphone in all stores and service providers that accept card payments,” the social authority said. However, the card cannot be used abroad or for online trading. Domestic cash withdrawals are limited to 50 euros per month plus each child.
Benefits for administration
According to the authority, the card offers benefits for asylum seekers, but also for the administration. “Benefit recipients no longer have to come to an institution or health insurer, which saves them travel and time. At the same time, this reduces the burden on the district payment offices.” The card will also be provided to other benefit recipients in the future.
At the end of January, 14 of Germany’s 16 states, including Hamburg, agreed on a joint tender procedure to introduce a payment card for asylum seekers (see video above). Hamburg is now the first state to start this. The process is expected to be completed by the summer. The Austrian government is also interested in the German project; the ÖVP also wants to introduce such a “benefit in kind card” for asylum seekers.
Deterrent effect?
The card is intended, among other things, to prevent migrants from transferring money to smugglers or to their family and friends abroad. Proponents also hope for some deterrent effect and a reduction in arrivals, but critics doubt this.
Source: Krone
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