Title: The Saga of the Alleged Attacker: Obstacles in His Expulsion from Germany
The recent knife attack in Solingen, allegedly perpetrated by Issa Al H., a 26-year-old Syrian asylum seeker, has sparked controversy. Previously scheduled for expulsion to Bulgaria in 2023, Al H. found himself in Germany due to a series of bureaucratic errors and unsuitable flight choices. Let's delve into the intricacies and what went awry during his attempted relocation.
Arrival and Initial Examination
In February 2023, Issa Al H. submitted an asylum application in Bielefeld, Germany, after previously filing one in Bulgaria. The Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (Bamf) petitioned Bulgaria to take charge of the case per Dublin regulations. However, Bulgaria agreed only on February 20, setting the stage for Al H.'s eventual removal.
Expulsion Plans Go Astray
The deadline for Al H.'s removal to Bulgaria started ticking on March 16, 2023, with the Central Aliens Authorities (ZAB) ordered to carry out the evacuation. On March 21, 2023, Bamf notified ZAB of the expulsion flight, but Al H. vanished from the temporary shelter late at night. The authorities never announced deportations in advance, and even with his absence, they could have extended the removal deadline to 18 months.
Retracing the Path to Solingen
Following the expiration of the 6-month deadline, Al H.'s case transferred to the BAMF for review. By late August 2023, he was moved to Solingen, where he was granted subsidiary protection. Eventually, the responsibility for Al H.'s well-being shifted from the ZAB to the Solingen local immigration authority.
Dispute in the Path of Deportation
Strict regulations restricting asylum seekers' expulsion have long hindered German immigration authorities. In the case of Bulgaria, only Sofia Airport accommodated deportation flights during specific hours, limiting the reach of deportations.
The Ensuing Tragedy in Solingen
Regrettably, a fatal stabbing occurred in the Solingen city center on August 23, 2024, perpetrated by Al H. This tragic incident highlighted the complexities and potential pitfalls of handling asylum applicants' transfers between European nations, made even more challenging by stringent regulations.
While examining the intricate web of challenges faced when deporting asylum seekers, it becomes apparent that similar issues exist in other EU nations. Bulgaria and Italy have shown reluctance in accepting takeover requests, while Germany has expressed frustration over the system's alleged ineffectiveness and complexity.
