Germany’s migration commissioner has suggested a plan to deport migrants arriving illegally in the European Union to Rwanda. This proposal targets those entering the EU through its border with Belarus. The move comes as Germany’s government faces increasing pressure to reduce irregular migration following a tragic incident involving a fatal stabbing at a city festival. The attack was linked to Islamic State, sparking criticism of Berlin’s current migration policies and fueling opposition from far-right groups.
Joachim Stamp, Germany’s Special Representative for Migration Agreements, said that existing asylum facilities in Rwanda could be used for this purpose. These facilities were initially intended for a British plan to send unauthorized migrants to Rwanda, which was canceled by the new British government in July 2023. Stamp emphasized that the asylum procedures in Rwanda would be overseen by the United Nations to ensure fairness and transparency.
Stamp, a member of the Free Democratic Party (FDP) and part of Germany’s Interior Ministry, stated that this approach would specifically target migrants crossing into the EU from Belarus. He noted that approximately 10,000 people cross this route each year. However, he dismissed broader suggestions from conservative groups to apply this model to all refugees. According to Stamp, Rwanda has expressed its readiness to continue with the plan if the EU agrees to proceed.
Stamp also proposed changes to the Common European Asylum System (CEAS). He suggested removing the rule that currently requires external asylum procedures to be conducted in countries where the asylum seeker has social ties. The EU had previously agreed on new rules in December 2023 to manage irregular arrivals, but the new system may not be fully implemented until the end of 2025.