Decline in Refugee Numbers in Germany Since 2011 Marked
In the first half of 2025, Germany saw a significant decrease in initial asylum applications compared to the same period the previous year. The number dropped from 132,200 to around 61,000, marking a notable shift in the country's refugee intake.
This decrease can be attributed to Germany's new approach to refugees arriving via Italy or Greece. Previously, Germany accepted a large number of these refugees, but more recently, they have been turned back at the border. This change is likely due to Germany's enforcement of the Dublin Regulation, which makes the EU country through which an asylum seeker entered responsible for processing their claim.
Over the past decade, Germany has been a beacon for refugees, attracting over 1 million Syrians, Afghans, and Iraqis, followed by 1.2 million Ukrainians. In 2021, the total number of refugees in Germany reached 3.5 million. However, the decrease in applications this year suggests a shift in this trend.
Germany remains a top destination among EU countries and third globally for foreign refugees. The country accounts for around 30% of all migrants in Europe, reflecting its continued importance as a refuge for those seeking safety.
In 2023, Germany topped the EU list for received asylum applications, but it was under a new Labour Minister. Chancellor Friedrich Merz appointed a minister different from the previous one, Hubertus Heil, who served until 2025 and was succeeded by Bärbel Bas in May 2025. The exact name of the Labour Minister under Chancellor Merz in 2023 is not explicitly provided.
The Left Party in Germany attributes the decrease in refugee numbers to increased refusals of asylum and deportations. Despite this, over 83,000 Syrians were granted German citizenship in 2024, demonstrating the country's ongoing commitment to providing a home for those in need.
As the refugee situation continues to evolve, Germany's approach and the numbers of asylum seekers will likely remain topics of interest and debate.
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