In a notable shift, Germany's Federal Council has labeled both Georgia and Moldova as future "safe countries of origin." This move is expected to make Germany less alluring as a destination for applications not related to asylum, as it means quicker processing and potential swift returns if applications are rejected.
The new legislation, once enacted, won't impact the right to an individual hearing and application examination. However, those affected will generally reside in refugee housing and won't be allowed to work in Germany.
This classifications has faced opposition from the left and organizations like Pro Asyl, who argue that there's no nationwide security or safety for all groups in both nations.
As for the details behind this decision, Germany considers these countries safe due to the EU framework, aligning with the broader EU asylum system which includes EU nations, along with several impoverished Balkan states and others, like Ghana and Senegal. This classification streamlines asylum procedures across the EU.
Equally important are deportation processes, as individuals fleeing these countries have a diminished chance of being granted asylum in Germany. This makes it easier to return individuals to countries they're considered safe in. The tightening of migration policies, including classifications of certain countries as safe, stems from recent attacks and calls for stricter asylum laws and increased deportations.
However, this classification is not without controversy. Human rights advocates argue that such classifications may not always reflect actual safety conditions in these countries. Consequently, they can be problematic and inhumane, attracting criticism from political leftists and organizations like Pro Asyl.
