Germany: a payment card for migrants implemented in fourteen Länder

In Germany, fourteen of the country's sixteen

Länder

reached an agreement this Wednesday, January 31, to set up a payment card for refugees. An initiative which aims to better control the allowance which was until now paid in cash to migrants and which should - according to its initiators - ultimately reduce illegal immigration to Germany. Immigration which was on the rise in 2023 and which benefits the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, which is leading the polls…

Refugees in a reception center in Schneeberg, Germany (illustrative image). AFP/DPA/Peter Endig

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Through the implementation of this payment card intended for refugees, the fourteen  German

Länder

which have joined this agreement want to prevent money, previously given in cash, from leaving the country and fueling criminal networks, particularly that of smugglers. This is, at least, the explanation given by Boris Rhein, who currently chairs the conference of heads of government of the sixteen

Länder

.

182 euros monthly

Because, until now, refugees arriving in Germany, after being taken care of in first reception centers where they are fed and housed, received 182 euros per month for their personal needs. Money which was sent abroad according to the German conservative opposition. What's more: this system encouraged foreigners to come to Germany, according to them. This new card, which will be introduced by next summer and which will only work in Germany, will give refugees the opportunity to make purchases of basic necessities in stores, but this money cannot be transferred.

Scholz under pressure on the migration issue

Two

Länder

preferred not to follow this initiative, including Bavaria. Regions which are considering setting up a similar system, but which do not intend to apply the same criteria knowing that the migration issue is at the center of debates in Germany. A subject that puts even more pressure on Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

Read also: Germany tightens its migration policy but wants to facilitate naturalizations

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  • Germany

  • International Migration

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