Germany’s Interior Minister announced a push for increased deportations and a new asset‑based requirement for Ukrainian refugees, igniting debate over the country’s asylum policy and European human‑rights conventions.
Government Calls for More Deportations
German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt said the government wants to raise the number of deportations. He outlined concrete measures to send more rejected asylum seekers back to safe third countries. “If a person cannot be sent back to their homeland, it does not preclude sending them to other safe regions,” he told the Sunday newspaper Welt am Sonntag.
Fewer Restrictions on Deportation
Dobrindt said the “connective element” – the required personal link between a migrant and a third country – has been abolished. The rule that denied deportation unless such a link existed is removed, opening new possibilities for deportation.
New Approach to Ukrainian Refugees’ Assets
He also unveiled a policy that Ukrainian refugees must first use their own assets before receiving state aid. The protected asset limit will be cut to 200 euro. Items such as cars or luxury watches, which exceed this amount, may then be considered property. Local authorities will decide whether aid is needed.
EU Calls for Reform of the European Convention on Human Rights
Dobrindt commented that the debate over reforming the Convention could shape future decisions by the European Court of Human Rights. A Wednesday resolution has had 46 Council of Europe members agree to produce a political statement on migration and the Convention by 2026.
Current Convention Limits Deportation of Serious Offenders
Under the current Convention, even serious criminals cannot be deported if the destination country poses a risk of inhuman or degrading treatment, including lack of health protection. The Convention is monitored by the European Court of Human Rights.
Reaction and Context
Since Ukraine’s war began, Ukrainian asylum seekers have been treated the same as other applicants. The new asset rule and increased deportations shift the balance toward reduced state assistance and stricter enforcement.
