Court Decisions on Asylum Applications Decline Significantly

In recent years, the number of asylum decisions overturned by German courts has notably decreased. This trend follows the implementation of a state-supported, independent advisory service for asylum seekers, which aims to guide them through the complexities of the application process.

In 2023, around 33,000 asylum seekers utilized this free advisory service, which provides essential information on how to submit applications and navigate legal hearings. This figure surged to approximately 75,000 in 2024, despite a reduction in the overall number of asylum applications filed in Germany. The advisory service was introduced as part of legislative changes aimed at expediting asylum procedures.

The advisory service is available at nearly all locations of the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF), with specific exceptions, such as in Deggendorf, where no suitable organization was found to provide this service. The initiative was established by the governing coalition in late 2022, alongside the discontinuation of mandatory reviews of asylum statuses, shifting to a more case-by-case basis to alleviate the administrative burden on BAMF.

Currently, BAMF employs approximately 2,747 staff members to handle asylum applications, with a subset dedicated to Dublin procedures, which concern applicants whose cases are the responsibility of other EU countries. A significant number of cases are also managed regarding the withdrawal or revocation of protection statuses, particularly if the circumstances in the applicants' home countries change fundamentally.

Statistics reveal that in 2024, courts made decisions on 52,613 cases related to withdrawal and revocation of asylum statuses, with only 1,863 cases resulting in a revoked protection status. This indicates a high success rate for those seeking asylum, as approximately 95.8% of reviews confirmed the initial grant of protection.

Moreover, the success rate for asylum appeals has significantly declined. In 2024, only 18% of asylum seekers succeeded in their legal challenges against BAMF decisions, a notable drop from 24.4% the previous year. This pattern suggests an improvement in BAMF's decision-making processes, likely influenced by a decrease in the volume of new applications, enabling more thorough case evaluations.

Throughout 2024, Germany received 229,751 initial asylum applications, along with 21,194 follow-up requests, representing a 30.2% decrease in first-time applications compared to the previous year. Despite the overall decline, there remain stark disparities in approval rates across different BAMF offices, particularly regarding applicants from countries such as Afghanistan and Somalia. For example, while over 90% of Afghan applicants were granted protection in most offices, the rate dropped to 60.8% in Eisenhüttenstadt, raising concerns about consistency in the asylum process.

Political figures have called for a review of these discrepancies, emphasizing the need for equitable treatment for all asylum seekers regardless of location. As the situation evolves, discussions continue regarding potential changes to family reunification policies for individuals with subsidiary protection, particularly affecting many Syrian refugees.