German parliament approves payment cards for asylum
BERLIN (AP) — The German parliament on Friday approved legislation introducing payment cards for asylum-seekers, a system that is meant to limit benefits paid in cash and make the country less attractive for migrants.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Germany’s 16 state governors agreed in principle to introduce the system in early November, but the governing coalition took until last week to iron out differences on whether specific legislation was needed and on its details. The resulting bill was approved by a large majority in parliament’s lower house, or Bundestag.
It calls for asylum-seekers to receive their benefits on a card that can be used for payments in local shops and services. They will only be able to withdraw limited amounts of cash and will not be able to transfer money outside Germany. The aim is to prevent migrants sending money to family and friends abroad, or to smugglers.
Related articles
Twins bring Carlos Correa back from IL after 16
CHICAGO (AP) — The Minnesota Twins reinstated shortstop Carlos Correa from the 10-day injured list o2024-04-30367 new projects inked in east China city
NANJING, April 26 (Xinhua) -- The city of Suzhou, east China's Jiangsu Province, held a global inves2024-04-30CBA playoffs: Shanghai beat Zhejiang to even series
The Shanghai Sharks drew their CBA quarterfinal series 1-1 after taking down the Zhejiang Golden Bul2024-04-3038 TV programs selected to promote culture, tourism
China's National Radio and Television Administration (NRTA) and the Ministry of Culture and Tour2024-04-30UN human rights chief condemns killings of women and children in Rafah
People mourn victims killed during Israeli airstrikes in the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah, on F2024-04-30Djokovic, Bonmati win Laureus Awards
Serbian tennis legend Novak Djokovic was named as the Sportsman of the Year and Spanish footballer A2024-04-30
atest comment