Rhein-Pfalz-Kreis: Successful payment card for refugees introduced!

Rhein-Pfalz-Kreis: Successful payment card for refugees introduced!

The Rhein-Palatinate district has introduced a new payment card system that has been successful for a year. It is a credit card that was specially designed for refugees. This petrolf-colored debit card has an IBAN number and an date of validity, and initially 600 receivers, the newly assigned refugees, were provided with the card. A monthly amount for livelihood is loaded onto the card, with which, among other things, purchases can be transferred, money can be transferred (but not abroad) and cash can be withdrawn. Cash withdrawals are limited to a maximum of 200 euros within 30 days, with an additional 70 euros for each family member. The Rhein-Pfalz-Kreis also takes over the fees for a cash withdrawal per month, which contributes to the relief of those affected. The Rheinpfalz has been decided that the system has been decided to collect cash. to reduce in the district house.

District Administrator Clemens Körner (CDU) was positive about the payment card system, which is perceived as not discriminatory. Treasurer in supermarkets only ask about the payment method, which increases the acceptance of the card. In May, Körner tested the card in the supermarket to get an idea of ​​functionality. Despite the positive response, there are different reactions to the upcoming introduction of a uniform payment card in the country to replace the existing system. reports from the SWR that not only comes up with enthusiasm.

outlook on the nationwide introduction

In the coming year, the state of Rhineland-Palatinate is planning to introduce its own payment card for refugees, starting with a pilot project in Trier. The Rhein-Pfalz-Kreis plans to join the country's system after it has gained valuable experience that may be of interest to the Ministry of Integration. However, the country's cash amounts will be lower than the current regulations in the district. This could lead to unsettling considerations for recipients.

comparable systems are also available in other federal states, such as Bavaria, where asylum seekers can withdraw a maximum of 50 euros per month from banks and supermarkets. There, transfers are only possible in exceptional cases, since the payment card mainly serves to control the expenses. The Bavarian Ministry of the Interior reports that the majority of the transfers abroad are not from asylum seekers, but from working migrants, which questions the need for such a system. An article by BR addresses the practical relevance and the everyday difficulties that have some asylum seekers on the card.