Germany was once hailed for accepting displaced persons, but the country's perspective has shifted in recent years. It's now exploring ways to control the number of people coming to its borders seeking asylum, which is straining its social services system. This is leading to a call for many changes to be made to its asylum policies.

Additionally, shifting political viewpoints in Germany are changing people's opinions on migration and shaping how officials assess and accept asylum seekers. Read on as we outline the changes Germany is making to its refugee and asylum-seeking protocols and the factors directly impacting these decisions.

Updates to German Laws and Regulations Impacting Asylum Seekers

Over the course of 2024, Germany has announced updates to its laws that directly impact asylum seekers, some of which also affect all of Germany's population. These changes range from modifying weapon laws to making it easier to deny asylum seekers and increasing deportations. The most prominent changes are those discussed below. Although they have not yet taken effect, they will be voted on in Germany's parliament.

Turning Away More Asylum Seekers

Increased border control, longer detention periods, and caps on the number of accepted asylum seekers are all changes being considered that directly impact displaced persons looking for refuge. Germany, which in the past welcomed many, is also working with other EU countries to offset costs and have asylum seekers supported elsewhere.

Faster and Easier Deportations

Refugees and asylum seekers who have been convicted of serious violent crimes can be deported by German officials and lose access to benefits offered to those seeking refuge. Proposed updates to asylum laws will lower the severity of crimes that can be grounds for deportation, including for youth convicted of serious crimes, and make the deportation process faster.

In addition, German officials can now obtain the personal items or property of asylum seekers if they are thought to be involved in illegal behaviour.

Restrictions on Weapon Use and Purchases

Carrying and purchasing weapons, such as guns, tasers, and knives, is going to be restricted for all of Germany and has been a significant discussion point alongside asylum decisions due to recent fatal events involving refugees.

Background checks will now be required to obtain such weapons, and carrying them at certain events or places will be prohibited entirely. Major public events such as sports games or concerts are among those where carrying knives will be prohibited. Carrying knives on public transit will also be prohibited.

The Reasons for These Changes

These updates have been prompted by several factors, primarily to keep people safe and reduce strain on Germany's public services. Recent events, such as stabbings, failures to find asylum seekers for deportation, and influences from political parties and elections, all play a role as well.

Serious Violent Crimes and Fear of Terrorism

In August 2024, a mass knife attack took place in Solingen during a celebration, killing three people and injuring five more. The suspect, who later turned himself in, was a Syrian refugee who was supposed to have been deported a year earlier and who was linked to the Islamic State. This was the second fatal stabbing to take place in Germany and has built an atmosphere of fear and worry in the country, leading to scepticism and reluctance towards immigration.

These events are directly linked to the decision to change weapon laws and the creation of an anti-Islamic task force, and they are also linked to the loosened deportation regulations that will lead to more people being removed from Germany for dangerous behaviour.

Strained Public Services

In 2015, during Europe's migrant crises, the country opened its borders to refugees. In 2021, they halted deportations to Taliban-occupied Afghanistan. In 2022, Germany accepted a significant number of Ukrainian refugees. From a humanitarian perspective, these actions were celebrated, but financially, this has placed an intense strain on Germany's social systems, which suddenly need to support more people.

Part of the move to cap the number of accepted asylum seekers and to increase the number of deported is to help ease the strain on the system.

Political Pressure and Impending Election

Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) political party has gained more traction in recent years, with a strong anti-immigration platform. It's believed the pressure of this, and the German population's growing concern over its migration system, has influenced the decisions to change laws surrounding asylum seekers and refugees. With a national election just a year away, politicians aim to appeal to voters by addressing concerns and hot topics, including migration.

Laws Remaining Unchanged

Asylum seekers arriving in Germany can and will continue to be able to apply for asylum if they meet the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees qualifications, which include persecution in their home country for their race, nationality, political opinion, religion, or social group.

It's important for asylum seekers to be aware that they can only apply for asylum in Germany if it is the first country in the EU to which they've submitted an asylum request.

Once granted, those given asylum can utilize the benefits and welfare services and access many of the country's appealing qualities like high-quality education, a thriving workforce, and liberal stance on entertainment like public beer gardens and no-deposit casinos (no-deposit is an online casino promotion).

Conclusion

Germany's migration policies have undergone intense shifts in the last decade, as more displaced persons arrive at its borders. Additionally, the shifting political climate and current events have caused unease, impacting people's opinions and viewpoints on migration within Germany.

What happens next in the country will depend on the results of state elections and the impending national one. However, for now, those arriving in Germany seeking refuge can still apply for asylum, although the process may be slower than before.