Bavaria was the first federal state to introduce payment cards for refugees. After a month, politicians draw an initial conclusion - and announce the Bavaria-wide expansion of the pilot project.
Munich – The payment card for refugees and asylum seekers has supporters and critics. While other federal states are still working on implementation, the payment system is already a reality in Bavaria: On March 21st, four municipalities in the Free State introduced the card system. The pilot project is to be expanded to a further 15 municipalities by the beginning of May - and will be in use throughout Bavaria by the end of June.
Payment card as a solution? Bavaria sees successful launch of the payment card
The payment card is already in use in the districts of Fürstenfeldbruck, Günzburg, Traunstein and in the independent city of Straubing. The Bavarian Interior State Secretary Sandro Kirchner spoke of a successful test phase. “We are pursuing two goals with the Bavarian payment card: We want to limit irregular migration by reducing incentives to move in, and we want to relieve the burden on our municipalities,” he emphasized. “I am very pleased that the local response has been so positive and that numerous other districts and cities have already asked for the payment card to be introduced as soon as possible.”
A total of 1,818 activated payment cards were issued, it said. In practice, everything has been going smoothly so far, Kirchner continued. Thomas Karmasin, CSU district administrator of Fürstenfeldbruck and president of the district council, also reported positive experiences: “The hoped-for administrative simplification has come about, and paying with the card generally works well.” By the beginning of May, the payment card should be in 15 other municipalities, including Augsburg, Passau and the Nürnberger Land district will be used - throughout Bavaria until the end of June.
Debate about payment cards: Bavaria was the first federal state to introduce payment cards
Refugees can use the card to shop in all stores that accept Mastercard. Cash withdrawals are limited to 50 euros per person per month. The map is not without controversy. The fact that there are economic pull factors is scientifically untenable, said Johanna Böhm from the Bavarian Refugee Council. “The fact that refugees transfer significant amounts to their families abroad during their procedure is not proven and is rather absurd,” continued Böhm. Katharina Grote from the Bavarian Refugee Council described the card as “harassment and discrimination against refugees.”
After weeks of discussion, the Bundestag passed a legal basis for the payment card last week. The Greens had previously called for clarification of detailed questions, which delayed the law. There is no nationwide obligation to introduce payment cards; states and municipalities can decide for themselves. Bavaria was the first federal state to opt for the payment card in practice. “Bavaria acts faster and more consistently than other countries: We say yes to help in need, but no to money transfers abroad and to smugglers and smugglers. Benefits in kind are better than cash benefits,” said Bavarian Prime Minister Markus Söder (CSU), commenting on the decision.