This year, Germany saw the return of over 4,600 migrants who had previously been deported and were under an entry ban, according to data from Germany’s Central Register of Foreign Nationals shared by Die Welt. These figures show that despite efforts to control re-entry, thousands of migrants have found ways back into Germany.
The report indicates that, within the first nine months of this year, 4,614 previously deported asylum seekers managed to re-enter Germany, defying existing bans. During the same period, a total of 14,718 migrants were deported. Afghan nationals made up the largest group of returnees (443), followed by Moldovans (431), Syrians (385), and others from Serbia, Macedonia, Algeria, Turkey, Georgia, Albania, and Bosnia.
German Police Trade Union chairman, Rainer Wendt, expressed concern over these repeat entries, stating that re-entering after deportation is considered a crime, warranting stricter consequences. Wendt suggested that re-entry bans, which currently last up to five years, should be extended to at least ten years. He pointed out that once the ban period expires, entry restrictions are removed from the central register, making it difficult to monitor illegal returns.
The data also highlights gaps in Germany’s border enforcement and deportation processes. Although roughly 9,500 people were successfully deported in the first half of this year, over 14,000 deportations failed due to issues like flight cancellations, the absence or illness of deportees, or other logistical challenges. As of June 30, Germany still had 226,882 individuals who were required to leave the country, as they had no legal right to remain.
Concerns over migration have intensified amid recent knife attacks and other incidents reportedly involving migrants, including some failed asylum seekers. Many citizens feel that the current government, led by left-leaning parties, has not done enough to curb illegal immigration. This sentiment has fueled a rise in support for the anti-immigration Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party in recent elections.
With Germany’s snap elections approaching in February, immigration policy has become a critical issue. The opposition CDU/CSU alliance, which currently leads in polls, has promised to take a firmer stance on immigration, advocating for stronger border controls and immediate returns for ineligible asylum seekers. However, questions remain about the credibility of their position, as the CDU/CSU previously allowed large numbers of migrants into Germany during the 2015 migration crisis.
If elected, the CDU/CSU alliance may have to form a coalition with pro-migration parties like the Social Democrats or the Greens, making it uncertain how strict their immigration policies would ultimately be. As the political landscape shifts, many Germans await definitive actions on immigration, seeking a balance between security and humanitarian considerations.