Germany limits cash benefit payments for asylum-seekers. Critics say it's designed to curb migration

New payment cards are being introduced for asylum-seekers in Germany. The new rule was passed by parliament last month. It calls for the migrants to receive some of their benefits on a card that can be used for payments in local shops and for services. They will only be able to withdraw limited amounts of cash and won't be able to transfer money outside Germany. The aim is to prevent them from sending money to family and friends abroad or to smugglers. Migrant advocates groups have criticized the new regulation as discriminatory. They say 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.