Government officials are tackling proposed legislation on immigration and relaxing rental laws. - Government deliberates on migration and rental price regulations
In a significant development at the recent federal cabinet meeting, the German government outlined key policy measures concerning migration and housing. Temporary family reunification for refugees without asylum status, often referred to as subsidiary protection holders, will be suspended for two years. This move is part of the government's efforts to curb migration.
The Minister of Justice has also proposed an extension of the rent brake, a regulation limiting rent increases in tight housing markets, initially for four more years.
Migration Policy: Pause on Family Reunification
The temporary suspension of family reunifications for subsidiary protection holders aims to alleviate the pressure on local communities responsible for accommodation and integration. This measure, which was implemented between 2016 and 2018 during the European migration crisis, reflects Chancellor Friedrich Merz's conservative agenda to control irregular migration and boost border security.
However, the coalition agreement, signed in May 2025, also emphasizes the need for skilled labor immigration, advocating for faster and more centralized processes such as the creation of a "Work and Stay Agency."
Extension of the Rent Brake (Mietpreisbremse)
While specific details on the extension of the rent brake were not disclosed, the government is expected to continue protecting tenants by upholding rent control measures. This alignment with social market policies is consistent with the coalition parties' commitment to economic growth and social measures like housing protections.
Alignment with the Coalition Agreement and CSU Role
The coalition agreement seeks a balance between security-focused migration restrictions and maintaining a skilled labor supply for the German economy. The CSU, as part of the conservative bloc, advocates for stricter border controls, suspension of certain family reunifications, and increased deportations. However, the coalition's plan to facilitate skilled worker immigration aligns with the broader economic interests of all coalition partners.
The temporary pause on family reunifications specifically targets subsidiary protection beneficiaries, striking a balance between addressing migration pressures without fully closing humanitarian avenues. This policy mix aims to address migration challenges pragmatically, balancing security, integration capacity, and economic needs.
The temporary pause on family reunification for subsidiary protection holders aligns with Chancellor Friedrich Merz's conservative agenda to control irregular migration, as outlined in the coalition agreement. The extension of the rent brake, a regulation limiting rent increases in tight housing markets, is consistent with the coalition parties' commitment to economic growth and social measures like housing protections, as part of their policy-and-legislation.
The German government's policy on migration, notably the suspension of family reunifications and extension of the rent brake, reflects a blend of politics and general-news items, with the aim to balance security, integration capacity, and economic needs.
