Photo credit; AP News
However, migrant advocate groups have criticized the new regulation. According to them, it is discriminatory – especially as it’s being implemented in a country that’s still much more cash-centric than many other European countries. They are also criticizing it because they claim some businesses, especially restaurants, won’t even accept card payments.
The critics are also saying people fleeing war and persecution won’t be deterred from coming to Germany just because their benefits will no longer be paid out in cash only. The cards will only single out migrants and may possibly add to their being ostracized further.
Wiebke Judith from P)ro Asyl said, “It has to be said quite clearly that people are coming because of civil war and persecution – they won’t be deterred by a payment card. The aim here is to create an instrument of discrimination and to bully refugees.”
Germany has been trying to limit migration for months. This latest measure comes just weeks before the European Union election on June 9.
attitudes toward migration have hardened in Germany as a large number of asylum seekers has arrived. When added to the refugees from Ukraine, it has put local authorities in dire starits since they have to find accomodation for the newcomers.
