Refugee expenses in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern significantly climbed by a third, hitting almost 120 million euros last year compared to 2021. This information surfaces in the state government's response to a minor inquiry from the AfD parliamentary group in the state legislature. The state covers municipalities' expenses in accordance with the Refugee Reception Act.
One reason behind the surge in costs is the influx of refugees from Ukraine, following Russia's invasion in February 2022. The state government has yet to provide 2023's data. Jan-Phillip Tadsen, the migration policy spokesperson for the AfD, anticipates continuing cost increases.
Tadsen suggests employing robust border security to minimize refugees' arrival and prevent potential conflicts, taking into account the housing shortage. In mid-October, Germany extended border controls at the Polish, Czech, and Swiss boundaries under Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser (SPD) until December 15. Border controls are not typically enforced within the Schengen area but need to be reported to Brussels.
Following the border controls implementation, the Federal Police reports noticeable improvements. The number of unlawful entries has decreased, and illegal entrance facilitators have been apprehended.
Refugee costs in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern reaching nearly 120 million euros in 2022, puts an enormous strain on the state's 'financial health'.
The AfD in the state parliament criticizes the increasing expenses and advocates strengthened 'border protection' to lessen the refugee influx.
Reduced social services and inadequate healthcare for refugees exacerbate concerns about potential 'land distribution disputes' in municipalities.
Germany, particularly Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, experienced an uptick in refugees since the Ukraine conflict in February 2022, testing Germany's 'migration' policies and resources.
Enrichment Data:
The current and projected expenses of accommodating refugees and asylum seekers in Germany, and the larger context within the country, can be understood through several sources:
- Refugee Detention Centers:
- A deportation jail in Mönchengladbach (the second-largest in NRW) is being constructed. The facility will contain 175 spaces by 2024, contributing to growing detention numbers (1,006 in 2022 to 1,567 in 2024)[2].
- Social Services Cuts:
- NRW's austere budget triggered a dramatic decrease in social advice services for refugees, down from €35 million to less than €13 million in 2023. This reduction primarily affects unaccompanied minors[2].
- Forced Labor:
- Refugees in several NRW municipalities are subjected to a "work obligation," similar to forced labor. They receive 80 cents per hour and are generally forbidden from working during their first three months (or six months in collective housing) after arrival[2].
- Limited Healthcare Access:
- Refugees in Germany have restricted access to healthcare for the first three years, receiving only treatment for urgent illnesses and pain[2].
- Housing Shortage and Distribution Battles:
- Germany's housing deficit poses a significant problem for refugees. The scarcity of suitable residences can cause tension, and municipalities experience distribution battles[2].
- Government Measures:
- German authorities address this issue through various programs, including issuing "payment cards" to limit refugees' benefits and cash withdrawals. This policy has been criticized for making life difficult for refugees, who depend on aids just to survive[2].
In summary, the skyrocketing expenses of accommodating refugees and asylum seekers in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern is one facet of a multifaceted issue in Germany. The escalating costs are impacted by the increasing detention numbers, reduced social services, and limited healthcare facilities. The housing scarcity and conflicts among municipalities necessitate effective and humane resolutions to facilitate the integration of refugees into society successfully.
