Reduced number of initial asylum applications recorded during the initial half of the year
In a notable development, Germany has experienced a substantial decrease in asylum applications during the first half of 2025. This decline, amounting to approximately 50% compared to the same period last year, can be attributed to several interconnected factors.
Germany's stricter border controls at all land borders have played a significant role in reducing the number of arrivals and asylum submissions. These measures, which were expanded and tightened with the start of the new federal government in early May, have proven effective in curbing illegal migration.
Simultaneously, Balkan countries have introduced measures to control irregular migration, contributing to the lowering of asylum applications reaching Germany. This trend is particularly significant given that Germany has historically been a major target of so-called secondary migration within the EU.
The changing situation in Syria has also impacted asylum figures. Following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad in December 2024, fewer Syrians have sought asylum in Germany. Syria, which was previously the top country of origin, now ranks behind Afghanistan in asylum applications. Moreover, over 273,000 Syrians have voluntarily returned from Turkey to Syria between December 2024 and mid-2025, reflecting improving conditions or changing circumstances in their homeland.
German Interior Minister, Alexander Dobrindt, has attributed the decline to the "migration turnaround" policies, indicating that government measures aimed at reforming migration systems are having their intended effect.
As a result of these measures, monthly applications have fallen to the lowest recorded levels since 2013. The overall decrease aligns with broader trends in European asylum figures, which also saw a decline of around 23% in the first half of the year.
However, the implementation of stricter border controls has raised concerns about potential traffic disruptions. The Federal Ministry of the Interior is currently exploring solutions to prevent traffic jams on the A12 motorway in Brandenburg due to the Polish controls. René Wilke, Brandenburg's Interior Minister, and the Chambers of Industry and Commerce in Brandenburg and Saxony have warned of major traffic jams due to the controls. Structural changes on the A12 between Frankfurt (Oder) and Swiecko are being discussed to minimize traffic disruptions.
It is important to note that the controls in Germany are aimed at preventing migrants without the necessary papers from entering. Poland plans to introduce temporary controls at its border with Germany on Monday.
In summary, the decline in asylum applications in Germany can be attributed to a combination of stricter border controls, efforts by Balkan countries to curb irregular migration, and changes in the situation in Syria. While these measures have been effective in reducing asylum applications, they have also raised concerns about potential traffic disruptions at German borders.
- The general news reports that policy-and-legislation changes, such as Germany's stricter border controls, have contributed to a migration decrease, as they've played a significant role in curbing illegal migration.
- War-and-conflicts, like the changing situation in Syria, have also impacted asylum figures, with fewer Syrians seeking asylum in Germany following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad in December 2024.
- Politics continues to play a part in the transportation sector, as concerns about potential traffic disruptions have arisen due to stricter border controls, with brand Brandenburg’s Interior Minister, René Wilke, warning of major traffic jams due to the controls on the A12 motorway.
