[HIGHLIGHTS] In 15 municipalities by May, everywhere by summer: Bavaria is pushing through payment cards for asylum seekers

The payment card for asylum seekers is intended to solve some problems in the refugee debate. Many people criticize this new form of asylum assistance.

Refugee helpers, in particular, see blatant problems with the payment card and fear stigmatization and discrimination. And you can even hear skepticism about the new concept from the banking industry.BY THE BEGINNING OF MAY 2024 ANOTHER 15 cards will be added to the system. The sum made available there can only be spent domestically and therefore for exactly the services for which the money is intended for the lives of refugees in Germany. Funds for smugglers and transfers to the country of origin should no longer be possible. The card is linked to an existing debit card system and can therefore be used in stores without needing adjustments on the part of retailers.