THE AFRICAN COURIER. Reporting Africa and its Diaspora! The African Courier is an international magazine published in Germany to report on Africa and the Diaspora African experience. The first issue of the bimonthly magazine appeared on the newsstands on 15 February 1998. The African Courier is a communication forum for European-African political, economic and cultural exchanges, and a voice for Africa in Europe.
A series of new laws and regulations, affecting retirees, consumers, women, migrants and businesses alike, will enter into effect in March 2026. Key changes include reforms to credit scoring, expanded breast cancer screening, higher health insurance contributions, expanded refugee protection and updates to vehicle registration rules. Here are the most important changes in March
SCHUFA: Transparency in Credit Scores
Starting 17 March 2026, consumers can access a new, simplified SCHUFA credit score via a free digital account. The updated system relies on only 12 criteria, allowing users to understand how their score is calculated and even replicate it using a straightforward points system. The change aims to make credit assessments more transparent, helping individuals correct errors and manage their financial reputation effectively.
Higher Health Insurance Contributions for Retirees
Several statutory health insurers raised supplementary contributions from 1 January 2026. For retirees, these increases only take effect from 1 March, meaning many will see slightly lower net pensions this month. For example, a pension of €1,000 could result in around €2 less net income if the average supplementary contribution rises by 0.4%.
Expanded Breast Cancer Screening
A major health change introduced on 5 March 2026 significantly expands breast cancer screening in Germany — with important benefits for women’s health.
Under the new rule, women aged 45 and older can now participate in organised mammography screening for early detection of breast cancer. Previously, routine invitations for this screening were limited to women aged 50 to 69, although some regions have extended upper age limits. The shift reflects growing evidence that earlier detection can save lives and improve treatment outcomes.
Breast cancer remains one of the most common cancers among women worldwide, and early detection is crucial. Studies show that organised mammography screening can reduce breast cancer mortality by about 30–40 percent among women who participate regularly, often because cancers are caught at an earlier, more treatable stage. Early detection also means less aggressive treatment, fewer side effects and better long‑term quality of life for many women.
The new regulation also makes it easier to bring screening to women who might otherwise find access difficult. Mobile mammography units (“Mammobiles”) can now be deployed more widely, and specially trained medical technicians can perform the imaging under remote supervision by doctors using modern communications technology — ensuring both accessibility and safety.
Health officials emphasise that the expansion does not replace individual medical advice: women should still discuss personalised risk factors — such as family history or genetic predisposition — with their doctors. However, broadening the age eligibility to include women in their mid‑40s gives thousands more women the opportunity to have regular, public‑health‑subsidised screening that could detect breast cancer earlier than would otherwise be possible.
Anti-Money Laundering Rules Strengthened
From 1 March, banks, financial service providers, and certain businesses must report suspicious activities electronically to Germany’s Financial Intelligence Unit. The standardized reporting aims to make money-laundering detection more efficient. The Geldwäsche‑Meldeverordnung (GwGMeldV) creates uniform technical and procedural standards for how suspicious financial activity must be reported to authorities, strengthening the role of the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), the central body that collects and analyses reports of suspicious transactions. Banks are also prohibited from notifying customers if a suspicious transaction is reported, to avoid tipping off individuals who might be under investigation.
Refugee Protection Extended
Temporary protection for refugees from Ukraine has been extended by one year. Residence permits, work authorisations, and housing obligations valid until 1 February 2026 are now automatically extended to 4 March 2027. No application is needed. Exceptions apply to stateless persons or third-country nationals who did not hold permanent residency in Ukraine prior to the war.
New Vehicle Insurance Stickers
Small motorized vehicles — including mopeds, scooters, quads, and e-micromobility devices — must display a new insurance sticker from 1 March 2026. Driving with outdated stickers is a violation of the mandatory insurance law and can result in fines or up to one year in prison.
Daylight Saving Time: Clocks Move Forward
On the night of 29 March, Germany transitions to Central European Summer Time. At 2:00 am, clocks will move forward one hour, effectively shortening the night.
Experts warn that failing to adjust clocks can disrupt schedules, especially for international travel, work, banking and healthcare and other appointments. While debates continue over whether Germany should abolish seasonal time changes, the spring forward remains mandatory this year.
© AfricanCourierMedia
