Germany Plans ‘Return Centers’ as New Strict Migration Policy Takes Shape

Germany’s Interior Minister has announced plans to establish “Return Centers” for asylum seekers near their countries of origin, emphasizing that the deportation of unauthorized and criminal asylum seekers is a priority before the end of the year. This decision is being framed ahead of the upcoming EU Interior Ministers’ meeting in Munich.

In an interview with the newspaper Münchner Merkur on Thursday, October 2nd, German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt stated that discussions are ongoing at the European Union level to create these “Return Centers.”

According to the German network Deutsche Welle Farsi, Dobrindt clarified that these centers would be intended to accept asylum seekers whose applications have been rejected in Europe but whose repatriation to their home country is currently not feasible.

Dobrindt indicated that, in preparation for the EU Interior Ministers’ meeting, Germany is seeking an agreement with the Syrian government to proceed with deportations by the end of this year. Regarding Afghan asylum seekers, he stated that direct negotiations would be held with the Taliban authorities in Kabul.

The minister said the government’s goal is the regular and direct deportation of criminal asylum seekers, while those who have integrated into society and are working will be permitted to stay.

Deutsche Welle reported that the coalition government, led by Friedrich Merz, has implemented strict immigration policies in recent months, stressing the necessity of reforms in the cases of Afghan and Syrian asylum seekers.

Dobrindt also promised that employment restrictions for asylum seekers will be lifted, allowing individuals to enter the labor market after just three months.

The new policy direction appears to be supported by public sentiment. An Ipsos survey conducted in May and June of this year showed that 70% of Germans believe the number of immigrants is excessive, and only 39% acknowledge the positive benefits of immigration. These data suggest that German public opinion largely aligns with the government’s new, stricter policies, providing a supportive context for the plan to establish “Return Centers.”