Bautzen district introduces payment card for refugees

The district of Bautzen wants to introduce a payment card for refugees in two months' time. "We are now inviting tenders and the system should be ready for use from April 1," said a spokeswoman for the district office on Friday. This will replace the previous account or cash payment system.

The district is currently looking for providers to introduce the card, which asylum seekers can use to make credit-based purchases in the region in future. The contract should be awarded in February. The system is convincing due to the possibility of digitally mapping various administrative channels and thus reducing the administrative burden.

All Saxon districts are currently examining the introduction of such a payment card for refugees as an interim solution until a nationwide solution is found. A joint date is planned, but it could take longer due to the individual tendering process, said Veronika Müller from the Saxon County Association. Asylum seekers' pocket money is to be booked onto the card and they can then use the credit to make purchases in stores that accept card payments.

In future, asylum seekers in Germany are to receive at least part of their benefits as credit on a payment card. Their use is intended to prevent people seeking protection from transferring money from state support in Germany to relatives and friends in their country of origin. The Free State of Bavaria is participating with other federal states in the development of a concept for a standardized nationwide model.