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<p>The Azure card is issued to destitute failed asylum seekers accommodated under
section 4 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 because they are temporarily unable
to leave the United Kingdom. The card can be used at most of the main supermarket
chains to purchase food and other essential items. The performance of the card is
kept under regular review but the Government is satisfied that it is an effective
way of ensuring that recipients are able to meet their essential living needs and
are not left destitute.</p><p> </p><p>The Government therefore has no plans to abolish
the card or change legislation to allow people supported under section 4 to receive
cash instead.</p><p> </p><p>The total administrative costs of the card scheme since
it was introduced in 2009 are approximately £1,515,000. Estimated administrative costs
for the current financial year are £200,000.</p><p> </p><p>The Government published
its response to the House of Commons Home Affairs Committee report about asylum procedures
in December 2013 (cm 8769). A response to the Committee’s views on section 4 support
was set out on page 18-19.</p><p> </p>
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