Asylum Applications Decline in Germany, government Pushes for Increased Deportations
Berlin – germany recorded 7,883 first-time applications for asylum in October, a 3.3 percent decrease from the 9,126 applications registered in September, according to recent data. The figures represent a continuing trend of fluctuating, yet generally declining, numbers throughout 2023.
This shift comes as the German government, led by Minister of the Interior Nancy Faeser, signals a firmer stance on migration policy, aiming to accelerate deportations and reassess protections for Syrian refugees. The evolving situation impacts not only asylum seekers but also broader European Union discussions on managing migration flows and establishing external “return hubs.”
October’s request numbers contrast with the 17 percent increase seen between August (7,803) and September. However, the September total itself marked a substantial 49.6 percent drop compared to the same month in the previous year, as reported by the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF).
The lowest point for initial asylum applications this year occurred in June, with 6,860 applications – a 59 percent decrease year-over-year (from 16,773 in June 2022). While October’s figures are lower than those of four months earlier in the year, they exceeded the numbers from five other months in 2023.
Beyond asylum claims, Minister Faeser has emphasized a commitment to increasing deportations. She recently announced plans to expand deportation eligibility beyond individuals deemed perilous or criminal to include those whose asylum requests have been denied, including Syrian refugees. BAMF will resume processing asylum applications from Syrians, a process previously suspended due to the ongoing civil war and the resulting protections afforded to those already in Germany.
Minister Faeser has also engaged in discussions with counterparts from other EU nations regarding the potential establishment of ”return hubs” in non-EU countries to facilitate faster deportations.