Illegal Migration Data: Syria and Ukraine Lead in Country of Origin

Recent data released by the German government indicates that the majority of unauthorized entries into Germany originate from Syria and Ukraine, along with notable numbers from Afghanistan and Turkey. This information stems from a parliamentary inquiry submitted by the Left Party, which also highlights a significant reduction in overall asylum applications.

According to the report, approximately 20.6% of individuals seeking to enter Germany without valid permits in the latter half of 2024 were Syrian nationals, while nearly 20% were Ukrainian citizens. This trend has raised concerns about the ongoing migration crisis and its implications for German border policy.

While Ukrainian citizens can currently access protection in Germany and other EU states without applying for asylum, this does not guarantee entry for all Ukrainians. The government clarified that individuals who have resided abroad for extended periods are not automatically eligible for entry, as they are deemed to be outside the immediate dangers posed by the conflict in Ukraine.

The data also revealed that the number of unauthorized entries dropped from 127,549 in 2023 to 83,572 in the previous year. Furthermore, the proportion of those without entry authorization who indicated an intention to seek asylum upon entry decreased significantly. In 2023, about 44.7% of such individuals expressed the desire to apply for asylum, whereas this figure fell to approximately 23% in 2024.

Critics, including Clara Bünger of the Left Party, have expressed concerns regarding the implications of these statistics, suggesting that the current migration policy may not accurately reflect on-the-ground realities. Bünger highlighted that over 40,000 people were turned away by border authorities in 2024, many of whom were likely asylum seekers. This points to a potential disconnect between government policy and the actual conditions faced by migrants.

Since mid-September, the German authorities have instituted regular border checks, which, while typically not in line with Schengen regulations, are permitted on a temporary basis. Those who do not file for asylum or are subject to entry bans are among those being turned away.

In light of these developments, the federal government continues to monitor the situation closely, acknowledging the need for precise assessments of the conditions in source countries to inform their decisions on asylum applications. The ongoing discourse surrounding migration policy in Germany remains a contentious topic, with various political factions advocating for different approaches to address the challenges posed by unauthorized migration.