- Asylum seekers receive payment card assistance – MV offers an additional benefit
Mecklenburg-Vorpommern officially chooses Dutch firm Yoursafe for asylum seeker payment cards
Mecklenburg-Vorpommern has concluded the selection process for the financial card designed for asylum seekers and assigned the assignment to Dutch corporation Yoursafe. "Yoursafe's payment solution aligns perfectly with our expectations for launching, implementing, and enhancing a payment card system for individuals entitled to asylum seeker benefits as per the Asylum Seekers Benefits Act," reported Interior Minister Christian Pegel (SPD), whose department initiated the Europe-wide tender in January.
It's now time to plan the practicalities of implementing and deploying the payment card in MV and setting a schedule. According to the current plan, asylum seekers living in the initial reception facility could receive their first debit cards within the ensuing three months. This stays on schedule. The card can be utilized at retail outlets just like an ordinary giro card, but it won't support international transfers.
Payment card simplifies administrative tasks
Cash withdrawals of an unspecified monthly stipend will also be offered without charge. By introducing this card, the complexity of monthly cash payments in initial reception facilities, immigration offices, and local and municipal community accommodations is expected to decrease.
On November 6, 2023, the Council of Interior Ministers approved the use of a payment card for recipients of benefits under the Asylum Seekers Benefits Act. The states established prevalent minimum standards on a national level. While Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and Bavaria opted for unique payment card solutions, they agreed to maintain comparable conditions across the nation. The remaining federal states concluded a unified procurement procedure by the end of January.
The Commission, overseeing the implementation of the payment card system for asylum seekers in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, is responsible for ensuring that Dutch firm Yoursafe adheres to the agreed terms. Following the approval of the payment card by the Council of Interior Ministers, The Commission will play a crucial role in ensuring national consistency between the states using the payment card system.
