Overview

• The state of North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) allows cities to opt out of using payment cards for asylum seekers, leading to differing local policies.
• Dortmund's city council rejected the payment card, enabling asylum seekers to continue receiving cash, though state-run facilities in the city will still use the cards.
• In Witten, a decision on whether to adopt the payment card system is expected after upcoming local elections.
• Hessen has mandated a cash limit of 50 euros per month on refugee payment cards, aiming to prevent money transfers abroad, despite opposition from cities like Wiesbaden.
• Critics argue the cards increase bureaucracy, restrict integration opportunities, and stigmatise refugees, while proponents highlight their potential to curb misuse of funds.