Stop the Payment Card!
In Heidelberg and the Rhein-Neckar-Kreis, the discriminatory "payment card" will soon be introduced for all refugees who receive benefits under the Asylum Seekers' Benefits Act. The decision for the payment card is based on racist policies that attempt to further restrict the lives of refugees and isolate Europe from the Global South. We oppose the restrictive payment card and want to make solidarity a reality!
Why do we reject the payment card?
The payment card is an intrusion into the autonomy of refugees and results in limiting their participation in everyday life. In the Rhein-Neckar-Kreis, there will be a cash limit of €50 per month. It is expected that there will be a similar restriction in Heidelberg. Transfers, online shopping, and contracts are not possible or only with great effort. Many areas of life require cash: e.g., small shops, weekly markets, flea markets, or cultural events. All of this is restricted by the payment card.
Although the payment card resembles a debit card from the outside, its application possibilities are much more limited, as the card only works in specific stores. And if those affected want to set aside money despite limited benefits to financially support their family abroad, this is made very difficult for them. The card is problematic in terms of data protection and offers authorities extensive insights and control opportunities.
What are we doing about it?
We do not want to accept this discriminatory and exclusive card in Heidelberg and want to show solidarity with those affected. For this purpose, we have organized a voucher exchange for Heidelberg and the surrounding area, following the example of many other initiatives nationwide.
The principle:
- People with a payment card buy a shopping voucher in the supermarket
- At the voucher exchange, they receive the voucher value in cash
- Supportive people without a payment card receive the vouchers in exchange for cash
The exchange actions are not illegal, but a response to a presumably unconstitutional policy, as fundamental rights of those affected are violated and the cash limit of €50 endangers the minimum income for a dignified existence. (Read more at: Initial Success in the Urgent Proceedings Against the Restrictive Payment Card: PRO ASYL and GFF Support the Complainant Family | PRO ASYL)
How can you support?
Please contact us and/or attend our meetings if you...
- ... want to bring in your own perspectives
- ... want to support the organization of the exchange markets
- ... want to take shifts in the exchange market
- ... can provide us with premises
- ... are organized in spaces and are willing to hand out shopping vouchers in your premises
- ... can take vouchers collectively, e.g., for your flat share, your housing project, your club...
- ... want to participate in a political campaign against these racist attacks
- ... want to support legal action against the payment card or if you just want to get to know us or have questions.
We also rely on donations. For the exchange actions, we need a financial buffer. Additionally, we require some money, for instance, for materials like flyers or posters, small purchases like lockable cash boxes or barcode scanners, or rental spaces for information events. Donation receipts can be issued.
Should the financial buffer no longer be needed, it would be donated to the following organizations:
This means that your donation will always have a positive impact.
For a world of solidarity!
What do the supra-regional structures look like?
There are already initiatives against the payment card and exchange initiatives like ours in many cities. We are networked nationwide within the network "Equal Social Rights for All!" (Website, Instagram)
Further Information
- Scientific Assessment of the Payment Card
Refugee Council Baden-Württemberg - Fewer and Fewer Rights for Refugees
Refugee Council Baden-Württemberg - What You Need to Know about the New Payment Card for Refugees
State Parliament Baden-Württemberg