The number of first-time asylum applications filed in Germany saw a substantial decrease in November, halving compared to the same month last year. According to official figures, 8,311 applications were registered last month, while approximately 16,100 applications were submitted in November of the previous year. When compared with November 2023, the decline is even more marked, representing a reduction of around 75 percent from the 35,300 applications lodged then.

For several consecutive months, the monthly number of new asylum applications has remained below the 10,000 mark. Cumulatively, from January to November of the current year, a total of 105,500 individuals applied for asylum in Germany. This figure stands in contrast to the approximately 230,000 applications recorded during the same period in the previous year.

Government Implements Stricter Measures

German authorities attribute the downward trend in asylum applications to recent changes in migration policy. The government has intensified border controls, increased the rate of deportations, and eliminated certain factors believed to encourage migration. These efforts are described as yielding measurable results, with officials indicating that this approach will continue in the coming months.

Among the measures under consideration is new legislation aimed at curbing fraudulent paternity declarations, which are sometimes used to obtain residence rights. The proposed law would introduce mandatory DNA testing to verify the authenticity of paternity claims in cases where they are suspected to be incorrectly stated for immigration purposes.

Changes at the Border and Legal Disputes

Since the change in government earlier this year, enhanced border controls have been enacted, with asylum seekers facing stricter checks at entry points. In some cases, individuals have been turned back at the border. However, a recent ruling by the Berlin Administrative Court determined that these border turnbacks are not legal according to current law. Despite this, the government has maintained the policy, and by October, nearly 19,000 people had been either turned back at the borders or deported from Germany.

Adjustments Regarding Syria

The evolving security situation in Syria has also played a role in the changing asylum figures. Following the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime at the end of last year, conditions in the country have reportedly improved, although the situation remains tense. This shift has influenced the number of Syrians seeking asylum in Germany, a group that previously represented one of the largest segments of applicants.

Looking ahead, the German government has stated its intention to resume deportations to Syria, starting with individuals convicted of criminal offenses or identified as security risks. This potential change has sparked debate, as some officials question whether it is safe for Syrian refugees to return, given the ongoing instability in parts of the country.

The recent policy adjustments and evolving international conditions are likely to continue shaping Germany's asylum landscape in the near future. Authorities emphasize ongoing efforts to enforce migration laws and adapt to changes in global migration patterns.