Refugee Accommodation in Berlin-Tegel Extended Until 2031 with Modifications

The former airport site in Berlin-Tegel, recognized as the largest refugee accommodation in Germany, will now serve as a temporary housing facility for refugees until at least May 2031. This decision, announced by the Senate, extends the original plan that was set to conclude in 2025.

Moving forward, the site will contain a central reception center for asylum seekers and refugees, which is expected to commence operations next year. This facility will be responsible for registering and temporarily housing all individuals arriving in Berlin seeking asylum.

In light of recent reforms to the Common European Asylum System (CEAS), the Senate has decided to consolidate the processes associated with the arrival of refugees at this location. The new procedures will include a mandatory screening process for asylum seekers, aimed at assessing their identity, health, and vulnerability. Security checks will also be implemented.

Initially, the facility will accommodate 600 individuals undergoing this screening, with an additional 2,000 spots available for those who have already completed the process, totaling 2,600 placements.

Previously, the number of individuals housed at Tegel was significantly higher, especially following the onset of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, which transformed the site into an arrival center for Ukrainian refugees. Initially, the intention was for these individuals to stay temporarily before relocating to other German states or finding alternative accommodations within Berlin.

However, the situation quickly evolved, leading to thousands of individuals residing there for extended periods, including in temporary structures. The conditions at this facility, which is the largest of its kind in Germany, have faced substantial criticism over the past months.

Reports have highlighted the high costs associated with maintaining the Tegel facility, which is noted to be the most expensive refugee accommodation in Berlin, yet offers the lowest standards. In 2023, expenses related to rent, operational costs, and security services at the site were estimated at around 298 million euros.

The Senate has acknowledged the facility's high costs and the challenges it poses for the integration of residents. The overcrowded conditions have prompted a gradual reduction in the number of occupants, dropping from 5,500 to under 3,000 since October of last year.

Social Senator Cansel Kiziltepe has previously expressed concerns regarding the large-scale accommodation at Tegel, advocating for a more decentralized approach to housing refugees throughout the city. Nonetheless, suitable accommodations remain scarce, and the construction of new facilities or container solutions is often met with resistance.

The latest Senate resolution primarily concerns the old Terminal C of the airport and the surrounding areas. In a related development, the iconic Terminal A, known for its hexagonal design and protected status, is set to become the new home for the Berlin University of Technology (BHT). Additionally, the adjacent Terminal B is planned to house the Urban Tech Republic innovation center, which will support startups, businesses, and research institutions. Furthermore, plans for the Schumacher Quarter, a housing project aimed at accommodating thousands, are also underway.