German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt announced plans to boost deportations and introduce a rule requiring Ukrainian refugees to tap their own assets before accessing state aid.
German Deportation Push Resumes
Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt said the government will open new options to return a larger number of rejected asylum seekers, including those from third countries. He cited the possibility of deporting migrants to safe regions outside the EU when domestic deportations are impossible.
Removal of “Linkage” Requirement
The minister referred to a recent EU agreement that eliminated the need for a personal connection between the migrant and a third country as a prerequisite for deportation. The change opens new possibilities for moving applicants out without such ties.
New Asset Rule for Ukrainian Refugees
Dobrindt stated that the primary principle is to first use the refugees’ own assets before they may benefit from state assistance. As Ukrainians are now treated like other asylum seekers, the protected assets threshold has been lowered to 200 euros, affecting cars, watches, and other valuable items.
Calls for Reform of the European Convention on Human Rights
The minister also urged clearer positions from politicians regarding a proposed amendment to the Convention, which currently restricts deportation of serious criminals if it risks inhumane treatment. A political declaration on migration issues is expected by 2026, with 27 countries advocating stricter rules.