The German government, under increasing pressure to curb irregular migration, is exploring unconventional measures to deter asylum-seekers.
The latest proposal comes from Christian Lindner, leader of the Free Democratic Party (FDP), whose party has experienced a significant decline in voter support.
Lindner’s proposal, which involves examining the possibility of preventing asylum-seekers from sending benefits back to their home countries, has raised questions about its feasibility and impact.
Lindner’s proposal aims to stop asylum-seekers from remitting their benefits in cash, instead suggesting payment in kind through a payment card.
The idea is to redirect the benefits to government coffers and minimize the potential for corruption and revenue leakage.
However, some experts and critics have expressed doubts about the effectiveness and legality of such a policy.
Matthias Lücke, a migration expert, questioned the assumption that small benefit amounts would serve as a significant “pull-factor” for asylum-seekers.
He also criticized the proposal from a moral standpoint. Tobias Heidland, an economics professor, argued that such restrictions could hinder integration and participation in society.
Furthermore, concerns were raised about the practicality of preventing asylum-seekers from accessing cash, as they could use payment cards to purchase and sell goods.
This might inadvertently strengthen informal cash transfer networks that could be associated with criminal activity.
While the proposal has been met with skepticism, it reflects ongoing debates around migration policy and the role of remittances in global economic flows.
Remittances are a significant source of income for many developing countries and play a crucial role in poverty alleviation, nutrition improvement, and education access. Any policy attempting to restrict or tax remittances should consider the broader impact on migrants and their families.
