Foreigners' Council in Wiesbaden advises against symbolic policies during migration transition period
In the heart of Germany, the state of Hesse is grappling with a contentious migration policy shift, with a significant increase in deportations to countries like Afghanistan and Syria raising alarming questions about integration and human rights.
The Foreigners' Advisory Board in Wiesbaden, a city historically known as a refuge for people from all over the world, has criticised the policy's focus on deterrence rather than integration. They warn against the instrumentalisation of deportations as a success story, expressing concerns that symbolic policy on the backs of vulnerable groups damages social peace.
The increase in deportations, which saw a near 30% rise in the first half of 2025 compared to the previous year, disrupts social cohesion and the prospects for successful integration of refugees and migrants. When deportations become frequent and unpredictable, it affects trust in authorities and can hinder efforts by migrants to plan their lives, participate in the community, and access education and employment. This climate creates instability among immigrant populations, making integration more difficult.
Deportations to countries such as Afghanistan and Syria — where ongoing conflict and insecurity prevail — raise serious human rights issues. Forced return to war-torn or unstable regions risks exposing deportees to threats of violence, persecution, or even death.
Germany’s constitutional court has ruled narrowly on the state's duty to protect foreigners abroad, implying that deportations must be carefully considered within strict legal bounds to uphold human rights protections. Human rights advocates often argue that deporting to unsafe countries violates international protection obligations, particularly the principle of non-refoulement, which prohibits returning individuals to countries where they face serious harm.
Meanwhile, the debate over the introduction of the payment card in Hesse has heated up, with restrictions on cash withdrawals threatening social participation. Many voices from civil society demand that those who contribute, learn German, and work should be given a perspective. An open letter from Hessian foreign advisory boards expresses concerns about the potential effects of the payment card on social participation.
Amidst this turmoil, the city of Wiesbaden is commemorating the victims of the Hanau attack from February 19 to 27, with various events scheduled. The commemoration's kick-off is a light projection on the anniversary of the attack.
The Foreigners' Advisory Board in Wiesbaden, along with other advocacy groups, continues to play a crucial role in shaping the interests of foreign residents, particularly focusing on the fates of families, women, and children affected in Wiesbaden. The coming months will determine whether the balance between order and openness can be achieved or will continue to wobble.
[1] References: - The Guardian, "Germany: court ruling on deportation to Afghanistan sparks protests", 23rd March 2021,
- The shift in migration policy in Hesse, particularly the increase in deportations to countries like Afghanistan and Syria, has sparked criticism from the Foreigners' Advisory Board in Wiesbaden, who argue against the focus on deterrence over integration.
- The dramatic rise in deportations has disrupted social cohesion and the prospects for successful integration, making it difficult for refugees and migrants to trust authorities, plan their lives, and access education and employment.
- Deportations to conflict-ridden countries such as Afghanistan and Syria raise serious human rights issues, as returning individuals to war-torn regions could expose them to threats of violence, persecution, or even death.
- Germany's constitutional court has ruled that deportations must be carefully considered to uphold human rights protections, and human rights advocates argue that these practices often violate international protection obligations, such as the principle of non-refoulement.
