Government data from the German Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) reveal that Germany experienced a notable increase in church asylum cases during 2023. The data, disclosed following a request for information by a representative from the Left Party in parliament, Clara Bünger, underscores the growing trend of seeking sanctuary within religious institutions amidst challenges posed by EU laws, particularly the Dublin regulation.
1,514 individuals sought church asylum in 2023, a substantial rise from 1,243 cases in 2022 and 822 cases in 2021. Despite the surge in applications, only nine individuals were granted asylum by the German state after undergoing the church asylum process, highlighting the complexities and uncertainties asylum seekers face within the German legal framework.
Most of those seeking church asylum did so to avoid being returned to another EU country, as stipulated by the Dublin regulation. Many applicants reached the six-month time limit for Germany to effectuate their return to the relevant EU country while seeking church asylum, compelling the German state to assume responsibility for their asylum cases. In some instances, extended time limits, particularly for individuals deemed at risk of evasion, further complicated the legal proceedings under the Dublin regulation.
However, despite Germany’s efforts to enforce returns and manage asylum seekers’ cases under the Dublin regulation, the reality falls short of the intended outcomes. Of the 75,000 return requests Germany made to other EU countries, only over 5,050 individuals were successfully sent back for their claims to be assessed elsewhere. Conversely, Germany received approximately 15,500 requests to take back asylum seekers from other EU countries, ultimately accepting 4,275 cases.
Although German authorities have challenged the practice of church asylum through legal avenues, it persists as a vital means of refuge for asylum seekers. Churches offering asylum often designate specific buildings for individuals seeking shelter, with occupants reliant on support from church personnel and volunteers due to restrictions on leaving church grounds.
Clara Bünger criticized Germany’s approach to church asylum cases, citing the need for systemic changes to address the underlying issues. Bünger emphasized the importance of broader consideration by BAMF beyond extreme cases and advocated for a more comprehensive response from the German state in handling asylum cases affected by the Dublin regulation. As debates continue over the efficacy and fairness of Germany’s asylum policies, the plight of asylum seekers seeking sanctuary within religious institutions underscores the complexities of migration governance in Europe.