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.
Ben Whishaw lights up the Croisette as he joins his co
Boarding Schools Ensure Fairer Education in Tibet
China's Population Fell by 850,000 in 2022 But 'Labor Resources Still Abundant'
Women Become Major Force in China's Tourism Consumption Market
Independent UN experts urge Yemen’s Houthis to free detained Baha'i followers
People Greet Longtaitou Day Across China
Chinese Aviation History Museum Takes off in Beijing
Peony Cultural Tourism Festival Kicks off in Wuding, SW China's Yunnan
Hall of Fame outfielder Ken Griffey Jr. to lead Indianapolis 500 field in Corvette pace car
15th Serfs' Emancipation Day Marked in Tibet, SW China
Hollywood star Shia LaBeouf is spotted on the streets of Gavin and Stacey's hometown Barry
Spring Ploughing and Seedling Raising Start in SW China's Guizhou