Germany to Issue Payment Cards for Asylum Seekers From 2025

The payment cards for asylum seekers in Germany are close to being fully implemented across all German states.

While the card has already been launched in some states, such as Bavaria, in some other territories, such as the city-state of Hamburg, in spite of being launched, it was estimated that it does not meet the needs of all groups, Schengen.News reports.

However, the implementation of this card, which looks like a debit/credit card in all federal states, is scheduled for 2025.

Amendments to the Asylum Seekers Benefits Act
Earlier this year, the Federal Cabinet adopted a corresponding amendment to the Asylum Seekers Benefits Act so that refugees would be eligible to receive benefits through the new payment card rather than using cash.

The new card can benefit all refugees who reached Germany for protection and are ineligible to make a living; therefore, they can receive benefits in line with Asylum Seekers Benefits.

In a statement, the government of Germany previously emphasised that the benefits include non-cash payments. The amount of money granted to refugees in line with the Asylum Seekers Benefits Act can be transferred to this card as credit.

New Card to Bring Several Benefits for Asylum Seekers
Among the benefits of the new card, according to the government of Germany, is that the amount of money can only be spent in Germany, and the benefits are meant to cover refugees’ living expenses. It means that those who obtain this card cannot use the money to transfer it to the refugees’ countries of origin.

Asylum seekers in Germany are paid between €400 – €500 per month in cash or in vouchers after they are not entitled to work in Germany legally.

It comes after asylum seekers in Germany don’t have residency status in this country. Therefore, they can’t have their own account and are not allowed to work in this country legally unless they have been staying in Germany for at least three months.

While all German states have agreed to launch a payment card system, the rules for its implementation differ among them.

Source: https://schengen.news/germany-to-issue-payment-cards-for-asylum-seekers-from-2025/