Germany is planning to stop funding independent counseling services for asylum seekers starting in 2027, a move that has raised strong concerns among welfare groups, charities, and migrant rights organizations.
The decision comes from the country’s interior ministry led by Alexander Dobrindt. Reports from German media networks say the ministry has already informed welfare organizations that the government intends to end financial support for the counseling program. However, the ministry has not fully confirmed the decision, explaining that final funding plans will only be determined during future federal budget negotiations.
The counseling service was first introduced during the government of Olaf Scholz, when Germany was led by the so-called “traffic-light coalition.” That alliance included the Social Democratic Party of Germany, the Free Democratic Party, and Alliance 90/The Greens. The program was designed to give asylum seekers free and independent advice about the asylum process. Officials believed this support would help applicants understand the system and make asylum decisions faster.
Under the proposal, the government would stop funding the program from 2027. The current coalition agreement between the Christian Democratic Union, the Christian Social Union, and the Social Democratic Party of Germany calls for a review of the counseling system before any final decision is made.
Welfare organizations have strongly criticized the plan. Arbeiterwohlfahrt President Michael Groß described the move as a serious political mistake. He warned that removing funding could weaken civil society’s role in supporting refugees and asylum seekers.
Charities such as Caritas and Diakonie also argued that independent counseling actually helps speed up asylum cases. According to them, when migrants receive early legal guidance, it reduces confusion and lowers the number of appeals and lawsuits.
Human rights organizations have also spoken out. Pro Asyl managing director Karl Kopp said independent advice is not a luxury but an essential safeguard within the asylum system. He stressed that many asylum seekers, especially vulnerable groups, rely on such support to understand complex legal procedures.
Political reactions have also been divided. Members of Alliance 90/The Greens strongly criticized the proposal. German parliament member Leon Eckert accused the interior ministry of making a migration policy decision without transparency, claiming the government is citing budget pressure while keeping its evaluation results secret.
Some politicians within the Social Democratic Party of Germany have also expressed concern. Lawmaker Hakan Demir said independent counseling is especially important for vulnerable asylum seekers. He argued that migrants should not rely only on information provided by government authorities when preparing for asylum interviews.
If the funding cuts go ahead, critics warn the change could make Germany’s asylum procedures more complicated and slower, rather than faster, for migrants seeking protection.