German state leaders recently met in Leipzig to discuss the country’s high numbers of asylum seekers and to find ways to better control migration. They agreed on a plan to increase border checks, speed up deportations, and make migration rules stricter. Although they did not agree on all ideas, they stressed that the number of people seeking asylum is “still too high” and that more action is needed.
The leaders’ meeting on October 25 included representatives from Germany’s 16 federal states. Together, they reviewed a 15-point plan on border control and migration. While they could not agree on every point, they issued a statement calling for tighter controls at the borders and a clearer process for handling asylum seekers.
According to Frontex, the EU’s border agency, migration numbers in Europe fell by 42% this year, while Germany recorded a 30% drop. Despite this, German officials believe the numbers are still high. They decided to keep existing checks at Germany’s borders with Poland, the Czech Republic, Switzerland, and Austria. These border checks will now last into 2024, helping reduce the number of people entering the country illegally.
Germany also started tighter border screening in September, reportedly blocking over 1,000 people from entering. This increased focus on border control shows the importance state leaders place on managing migration numbers.
Another key proposal from the leaders is to speed up deportations, especially for individuals involved in criminal activities or those seen as security risks. The leaders discussed enforcing the Dublin Regulation, which requires that an asylum seeker’s application be processed in the first EU country they enter. They suggested that the federal government, not the states, should take over this responsibility to make the process faster.
Germany has already begun deporting groups of Afghan and Syrian nationals who were involved in crimes. In recent months, they sent back Afghan nationals with criminal records. Officials say they will continue this approach, focusing on those who pose safety risks. Turkish nationals are another large group, with over 13,500 people set for deportation according to 2023 figures.
The new plan also seeks to reduce social benefits for asylum seekers and limit family reunifications to only the hardest cases. This change is aimed at reducing the number of people seeking to migrate to Germany. For those with subsidiary protection, family reunification is limited to very few cases each month, with priority given to people in serious hardship situations.
Germany’s current laws allow asylum seekers to bring in family members, such as spouses and children. However, for people with limited protection status, only a small number of reunifications are allowed monthly. This rule is in place to avoid putting additional stress on Germany’s resources.
The leaders will meet again in December 2024 to finalize unresolved points in this new plan. With a focus on stronger border controls, faster deportations, and reduced social benefits, Germany hopes to manage migration in a way that balances the country’s needs with its commitment to fair asylum practices.
This new approach to migration aims to provide Germany with a way to manage migration effectively while still upholding EU rules and protecting its social systems.
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