The German Parliament has voted to implement the new Common European Asylum System, introducing stricter migration rules aimed at speeding up asylum decisions and deportations. The reforms are part of a wider European effort to create a more unified asylum system across the bloc, starting from June 12. EU member states agreed on the policy in May 2024, but each country can adjust how it applies the rules in national law. Germany’s governing coalition debated the measures on February 27 and passed two key laws to strengthen its migration framework, with one requiring final approval from the Bundesrat.
Under the new system, asylum seekers from countries with a recognition rate below 20 percent could face much faster processing, limited to 12 weeks. These cases mostly involve applicants from so-called safe countries. Although Germany does not share an external EU border, it plans to set up processing centers near airports so that people whose applications fail can be returned directly. The European Union is also considering return centers either outside the bloc or in member states without external borders to make the system more effective.
The reforms also target what is known as secondary migration within the EU. If an asylum seeker previously applied in another EU country and then moved to Germany without authorization, they could be transferred to a Dublin center and sent back to the first EU state responsible for their claim. Germany already operates several such centers, but returns have been limited in practice. Out of about 36,000 Dublin cases last year, only around 5,300 people were successfully transferred back to other EU countries.
Under the new rules, single adults can be held in Dublin centers for up to 24 months, while families with small children may face a maximum stay of 12 months. Authorities can also restrict movement within and around the centers, and those who leave without permission risk having their welfare benefits reduced to the minimum level required for basic survival. Asylum seekers may face detention if officials question their identity or believe they might try to avoid deportation.
There are also changes to employment rules. In the future, asylum seekers in Germany will be allowed to work three months after registering their intent to apply, instead of waiting six months. However, those who falsify their identity or come from designated safe countries will not be permitted to work. The Bundesagentur für Arbeit must still approve employment applications. Rejected applicants who remain in Germany under a temporary suspension of deportation, known as Duldung, will also be allowed to take up work.
Medical support for migrant children and young people will be expanded under the reforms. They will now receive healthcare equivalent to Germany’s public health system rather than treatment limited only to emergencies. The state will also cover the cost of necessary medicines and medical equipment, which marks a significant shift from the previous policy.
Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and Pro Asyl, have strongly criticized the reforms. In a joint statement, they argued that Germany is going beyond what is required under EU law and risks making detention the norm for people seeking protection. Opposition politicians have also warned that the new measures could create more division and reduce basic rights, even as the government insists the changes will bring greater order and efficiency to the asylum system.
Reports suggest the legislation was passed after a political compromise within the governing coalition. The conservative CDU/CSU bloc reportedly agreed to support an SPD-backed labor policy in exchange for SPD backing on the migration reforms. The vote marks a significant tightening of Germany’s asylum approach and reflects a broader EU push to curb irregular migration while streamlining procedures across member states.