"It's Game Over" for Return Policy: Migrations Expert Blasts Dobrindt's Announcement
Loose Talk
Migration scholar argues failed implementation of rejection ideology
Migration analyst Gerald Knaus has raised concerns about Interior Minister Dobrindt's plan to persistently enforce return policies at Germany's borders. Knaus, in an interview with Stern's "5-Minute Talk" podcast, called out the government for ordering Federal Police to engage in what he considers to be unlawful actions.
Three Strikes, You're Out
The migration researcher, Knaus, considers Germany's return policy a failure. "The federal government, bang to rights in court, up to the European Court of Justice – it's just a question of time. How long do they want to dance this embarrassing charleston?" Knaus contends, referring to the Berlin Administrative Court's recent determination that the Federal Police's return of three Somalis was unlawful.
The Questions that Bother SPD
Knaus was taken aback by Dobrindt's declaration to maintain the controversial policy. "At some point, the SPD – which shares the Justice Ministry – should also start asking tough questions on how they can send Federal Police to break the law," Knaus stated.
Time for Change
Winning cases in court won't do the trick, according to Knaus. "This policy is a flop," he opines. Instead, he suggests relying on strategies that have shown success in reducing migration numbers, such as agreements with third countries, which the government championed during the election campaign and France voted to adopt[5][6].
EU Commission Proposals
The EU Commission presented proposals two weeks ago that could make such third country negotiations legally feasible[4]. Knaus calls on the SPD, CDU, and CSU to push for the rapid passage of these proposals in the European Parliament to lay the groundwork for negotiations[3].
The Future of Returns
"Let's get cracking. Now is the time to start parallel talks and collaborations. Fast," Knaus advises.
- [1] ntv.de
- [2] toh
- [3] eu-opinion.eu
- [4] politico.eu
- [5] lemonde.fr
- [6] spiegel.de
- SPD: Germany's Social Democratic Party, part of the current ruling coalition.
- CDU: Christian Democratic Union of Germany – the largest party of the current ruling coalition and Angela Merkel's party.
- CSU: Christian Social Union, Bavaria – sister party to the CDU, also part of the current ruling coalition.
- Black-Red: Coalition between SPD and CDU/CSU.
- Asylum Procedures in Third Countries: Procedures carried out in foreign countries to determine a migrant's status and potential return, under the supervision and direction of the host country.
Additional Insights
References
Final Thoughts
The recent court decision calling Germany's return policies unlawful might lead to a reevaluation of these measures, potentially creating more stringent legal oversight. Germany's commitment to the EU's proposed legislation regarding third country agreements could hasten negotiations and changes in migration procedures. In the end, pursuing realistic collaboration with other countries to manage migration flows seems to be the most viable approach for the German government.
- The migration analyst, Gerald Knaus, has criticized the German government's persistent enforcement of return policies, stating that it's just a matter of time before the federal government is found guilty in court.
- Knaus also pointed out the need for the SPD, which shares the Justice Ministry, to question the government's actions on how they can send Federal Police to break the law.
- In response to Germany's return policy failures, Knaus suggested relying on successful strategies such as third country agreements, which the government advocated during the election campaign and face potential legal feasibility through EU Commission proposals.
