- The regions want to have their own payment card if necessary
Some counties in Brandenburg are considering introducing the payment card for asylum seekers on their own initiative if the nationwide rollout of the system is delayed. Brandenburg's Minister President Dietmar Woidke (SPD) said: "If it takes too long, other counties will follow the example of the Märkisch-Oderland district. There are discussions about this." However, the head of government did not want to name the counties in question. The Märkisch-Oderland district had already issued the payment card to asylum seekers in May on its own.
The nationwide introduction of the payment card is facing delays in awarding contracts, as reported in mid-July. The reason for this is objections from companies in the tendering process. If it goes to court, "we'll have to see how that develops in terms of time," said Woidke. He would like to see the introduction of the payment card as soon as possible.
The card for services to asylum seekers is intended, among other things, to prevent money payments to traffickers or families in the home countries, as was the case with cash. It is also intended to relieve municipalities in administration and reduce the incentive for irregular migration.
Woidke informed himself at a social welfare office branch of the Märkisch-Oderland district about the three-month experiences with the payment card. It was issued there to 770 people. According to the administration, the system is accepted. There are no complaints.
The delays in the nationwide rollout of the payment card for asylum seekers might lead to other counties adopting the migration strategy implemented by the Märkisch-Oderland district. This card, intended to combat irregular migration and trafficking, has shown positive results in the Märkisch-Oderland district, with no reported complaints from the 770 individuals who have received it.
