Public service Cantonal patchwork for prepaid or cash for asylum seekers
Several cantons have recently created a legal basis for the introduction of payment cards for asylum seekers. Others have announced the prospect of pilot projects or have already launched them. However, there is disagreement about the benefits of the payment method.
23.11.2025, 09:01
SDA
Those in favor of introducing a prepaid card for asylum seekers want to prevent the latter from transferring cash from social welfare to their home country. Opponents of the plan warn that the people concerned, who are already in a difficult situation, would be even more stigmatized and discriminated against. Furthermore, the money could also be misused with payment cards.
Cantonal parliaments in Bern, Zug, Schwyz and St. Gallen have pushed for the introduction of the payment card. Others, such as the cantonal councils of Basel-Stadt and Fribourg, spoke out against the project.
The Conference of Cantonal Directors of Social Affairs (SODK) also confirmed its opposition at the request of Keystone-SDA. The federal government considers the cantons to be solely responsible.
