Germany Steps Up Deportations Amid Tougher Migration Policy, Civil Groups Warn of Social Strain

Germany Steps Up Deportations Amid Tougher Migration Policy, Civil Groups Warn of Social Strain
———————–
Germany has markedly increased removals of asylum seekers without legal residency rights over the past 10 months, reflecting a broader shift toward stricter migration enforcement. According to Deutsche Welle, more than 19,000 people were deported between January and October, as federal and state authorities prioritize returning individuals without protection status or with final rejections.
 
The policy shift builds on measures introduced since late 2023, including the “Return Improvement Act”, which expanded authorities’ powers to carry out deportations, lengthened maximum pre-deportation detention, and eased information-sharing between agencies.

The Interior Ministry has also pressed for faster procedures, closer coordination with countries of origin, and more charter flights for removals. Debate has intensified over returns to conflict-affected countries. Following security discussions in 2024, federal officials signaled readiness to explore limited removals to Afghanistan and Syria in narrowly defined cases—particularly for individuals deemed dangerous or serious offenders—subject to legal and diplomatic constraints. Several state governments have urged the federal level to establish workable mechanisms and assurances for such returns, while legal experts note that Germany remains bound by international and EU non-refoulement obligations.

Civil society organizations and migrant support groups, including Pro Asyl and regional refugee councils, have criticized the stepped-up enforcement. They warn of heightened psychological stress for asylum seekers and their families, potential disruption to schooling and employment, and a chilling effect on integration. Advocacy groups have called for more legal counseling, alternatives to detention, and clearer humanitarian exemptions. Officials argue the measures are intended to preserve confidence in the asylum system by swiftly returning those without a right to stay while protecting those who qualify for refuge.