Amid ongoing coalition talks, Germany has reportedly paused accepting immigration applications from those seeking protection, according to DPA.
Citing the Interior Ministry, DPA reports that Germany has temporarily suspended its participation in a UN refugee resettlement program. This program, managed by the UNHCR, involves host countries accepting asylum seekers considered to be in particular need of protection.
Following February’s snap election, and in the wake of violent incidents involving foreign nationals, anti-immigration sentiment appears to have risen in Germany. The CDU and the AfD, both advocating for stricter migration policies, gained significant popularity.
DPA reported on Tuesday that the suspension of new refugee admissions is due to ongoing coalition negotiations between the CDU and the SPD. Exceptions may be made for asylum seekers whose applications are already in advanced stages.
The two parties have reportedly agreed to end current voluntary refugee admission programs and avoid committing to new ones.
Germany pledged to the UNHCR and the European Commission to accept 13,100 asylum seekers in 2024 and 2025, DPA reports, noting that 5,061 have already arrived.
Last month, Der Spiegel, referencing an EUAA study, claimed that Germany, traditionally the top EU destination for asylum seekers, saw a significant decrease in new applications in 2024. This decline coincided with expanded border controls with neighboring EU countries like Poland, Austria, and the Czech Republic.
A RND report in February, citing federal government data, indicated that Ukrainians made up almost 20% of asylum applications rejected by German authorities.
Government statistics from September 2024 show that nearly 3.5 million refugees were living in Germany as of June of that year.
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