Berlin: Welfare associations criticize the payment card for asylum seekers

Berlin: Welfare associations criticize the payment card for asylum seekers

Berlin welfare associations fight for dignity and integration of asylum seekers

The Berlin Welfare Associations are closed against the planned introduction of a payment card for asylum seekers with a cash limit of 50 euros. They believe that this measure is incapacitating, bureaucratic and anti -integration. Instead, they request a payment of the cash according to the rules of the Asylum Seekers Benefits Act to protect the dignity of the refugees.

The associations emphasize that 50 euros pocket money is not sufficient and lead to exclusion. Young refugees in particular suffer from the cash limit because they often buy on used markets, where only cash payment is possible. This makes it difficult to build social contacts and lead to additional bureaucracy.

After the experience in refugee accommodation in the Brandenburg district of Märkisch-Oderland, the payment cards with cash limit have led to significant problems, including processing times, arrears and impending dismissals. The monthly cash payment is often not sufficient, and the missing card readers make purchases more difficult.

The welfare associations are committed to the establishment of basic accounts at Berlin banks and savings banks for refugees. You see this as the most practical and cheapest solution for the Berlin authorities.

This advance of the welfare associations stands against the plans of the Senate to introduce the payment card with a cash limit of 50 euros. The CDU in particular supports this model to reduce incentives for migration. However, the SPD and parts of the SPD parliamentary group in the House of Representatives reject the cash limit. A final decision by the Senate is still pending, while the welfare associations continue to fight for the dignity and integration of asylum seekers.

Source: RBB24 evening show, 05.07.2024, 7:30 p.m.

- Nag