In response to German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s call for increased and expedited deportations of rejected migrants, the German government has introduced a new bill presented by Interior Minister Nancy Visser to accelerate the deportation of rejected asylum seekers.
According to Deutsche Welle, the proposed law includes, among other provisions, an extension of the maximum period for what is known as “departure detention,” the period during which rejected asylum seekers can be held before deportation. This extension would increase the duration from the current ten days to 28 days.
Additionally, the proposed law expands the authorities’ powers and allows for stricter measures against human traffickers. However, it still requires parliamentary approval.
Visser announced that the number of deportation operations this year has increased by 27% compared to the same period last year. She emphasized, “Nevertheless, we must enact rules that enable us to enforce our laws more firmly and swiftly.”
The minister further explained that their repatriation package includes a set of restrictive measures, including the expulsion and deportation of criminals and individuals classified as security risks, with greater efficiency and speed.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who is facing pressure from the opposition regarding immigration and asylum issues, called for stricter measures against rejected migrants as part of comprehensive efforts to reduce irregular migration.
Scholz stated to Der Spiegel magazine, “We finally have to deport those who have no right to stay in Germany on a broad scale.” He added that those who cannot prove their right to asylum and have no chances of remaining should leave the country, emphasizing the need for larger and faster-scale deportations.
Scholz also clarified that a “complete set of measures” is needed to curb irregular migration. This includes better protection of the external borders of the European Union and tighter control of Germany’s borders with neighboring coalition countries.
Meanwhile, German Interior Minister Nancy Visser intends to extend the ongoing border controls with Poland, the Czech Republic, and Switzerland for an additional 20 days. Visser had previously informed the European Commission on the 16th of this month that Germany intended to implement border controls with these three countries initially for ten days.
Visser’s goal with this measure is to reduce irregular migration and enhance efforts to combat smuggling crimes.
Germany, like many European countries, has been grappling with issues related to migration, particularly the influx of refugees and asylum seekers. The country has faced challenges in processing asylum applications, conducting deportations, and addressing public concerns about immigration.
Deportation policies have been a subject of debate and political contention in Germany, with various parties advocating for different approaches to handling rejected asylum seekers. The proposed law aims to streamline and expedite the deportation process, reflecting ongoing efforts to address these complex issues.
