Refugees in Düsseldorf will not receive a new payment card option.

In a decision that has sparked debate, the city council of Düsseldorf has chosen not to implement the payment card for refugees in its area of responsibility. This decision was made on Thursday, February 6th, following a controversial discussion during a council meeting.

The payment card for refugees, regulated by a decree from the Landtag and state cabinet of North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) in December 2024, was initially proposed as a nationwide solution by the CDU, FDP, and AfD. The Bundestag and Landtag decided to introduce the payment card for benefits under the Asylum Seekers' Benefits Act (AsylbLG) by the end of 2023.

Under the payment card system, refugees would receive their benefits on a card, allowing them to manage their money more freely and use offers in all shops or online. However, the card would also require refugees to present their bank statements when renewing their benefits at the office, ensuring control over potential misuse.

The CDU, with Andreas Paul Stieber representing the party, described the payment card as social, solidarity-based, and responsible. On the other hand, opponents argued that the payment card could lead to discrimination and stigmatization, and could potentially have unsustainable effects on future migration behavior.

Despite the majority decision of the city council not to implement the payment card in Düsseldorf, the administration has been tasked with taking necessary steps for its introduction within the framework of the decree. The city council of BÜNDNIS 90/DIE GRÜNEN, SPD, DIE LINKE, and Die PARTEI-Klima have requested the administration to use the "Opt-Out regulation" for the payment card for refugees.

It is important to note that only a small number of refugees currently receive their benefits in cash, with most managing their benefits on their own basic accounts. The alleged misuse of benefits has been a concern for the AfD, who have emphasized the need to prevent it.

The implementation of the payment card for refugees remains a topic of ongoing discussion and debate, as different perspectives are considered and weighed against each other. The decision in Düsseldorf serves as an example of the complexities involved in implementing such a system, and the importance of balancing the needs and concerns of all parties involved.