Tegel Arrival Center: Over 120,000 Refugees Supported, Primarily from Ukraine

Three years after its establishment, the arrival center at the former Berlin-Tegel Airport has provided assistance to over 120,000 refugees, with a significant portion being war-displaced individuals from Ukraine. The facility, initially designed as a temporary solution, has evolved to meet the various needs of those seeking refuge.

Since March 2022, when the center was opened, the Berlin authorities have reported registering more than 93,746 Ukrainian war refugees, according to information provided by a coalition of humanitarian organizations. The center, which was meant to serve as a short-term refuge, has now become a long-term accommodation for many, some of whom have been residing in makeshift housing for extended periods.

The center is operated by several key humanitarian organizations, including the Arbeiter-Samariter-Bund, the German Red Cross, the Johanniter-Unfall-Hilfe, and the Malteser Hilfsdienst. Approximately 730 staff members work around the clock to provide essential services, as stated by the involved organizations.

Currently, the center has around 6,500 available spots, with approximately 2,700 occupied by Ukrainian refugees and about 1,000 by individuals from other countries. The ongoing conditions in the center have faced criticism, particularly from local church leaders who have called for substantial improvements in living conditions and enhanced integration services.

Over the past three years, the services offered at the center have adapted to the changing needs of the refugees. In addition to basic care, the center now provides various recreational and counseling services, medical care, and assistance with job placement and integration initiatives.

As the situation continues to evolve, the humanitarian organizations involved are committed to addressing the needs of the refugees while advocating for better living conditions and support systems.