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

In a heated council meeting on Thursday, February 6th, the city council of Düsseldorf decided to opt out of the proposed payment card for refugees, as per the "Opt-Out regulation for the payment card for refugees".

The decision, which was made by the city council factions of Bündnis 90/DIE GRÜNEN, SPD, DIE LINKE, and Die PARTEI-Klima-Fraction, resulted in 44 yes votes and 37 no votes. CDU, FDP, and AfD voted against the opt-out.

The Bundestag and Landtag had previously decided to introduce a payment card for services under the Asylum Seekers' Benefits Act (AsylbLG). However, the implementation for North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) was regulated by the Landtag and state cabinet in December 2024, with the Payment Card Regulation NRW-BKV NRW setting the guidelines.

The payment card, designed to replace cash payments for refugees, would have allowed them to manage their money freely and use offers from all shops or online. However, only a low double-digit number of refugees in Düsseldorf currently receive their benefits in cash.

The debate surrounding the payment card was intense, with various arguments presented. CDU's Andreas Paul Stieber described the payment card as "social, solidarity, and responsible". On the other hand, applicants argued that the payment card could lead to discrimination and stigmatization, while AfD argued that "abuse must be prevented" in relation to the payment card.

Refugees in Düsseldorf would have to present their bank statements when renewing their benefits, providing control over potential abuse. However, opponents of the payment card argued that this could infringe on the privacy of refugees.

The administration in Düsseldorf, including the city administration chief responsible for implementing the Refugee Benefit Card system under NRW-BKV NRW regulations, will now be tasked with taking the necessary steps within the framework of the regulation. It is important to note that the mayoral election in Düsseldorf is going to a runoff on September 28, 2025, between the incumbent, Stephan Keller (CDU), and Clara Gerlach (Green).

The "Opt-Out" regulation allows a city or municipality to decide not to introduce the payment card in its jurisdiction. This decision by the city council of Düsseldorf means that the payment card will not be introduced in the city's jurisdiction.

This decision is significant as it marks a departure from the national policy on refugee benefits in Germany. It remains to be seen how other cities and municipalities will respond to the Opt-Out regulation and whether the payment card for refugees will be widely adopted across the country.