Germany to Halt Admission of Afghanistani Refugees

RASC News Agency: Germany’s incoming Chancellor has announced that, following the formation of the new government, the country’s refugee admission programs including those for Afghanistani nationals will be discontinued. Friedrich Merz stated that his administration is committed to reducing illegal migration into Germany. Speaking on Saturday, March 8, Merz emphasized that, in coordination with neighboring countries, asylum applications at shared borders will be systematically rejected.
Merz, who recently secured victory in Germany’s parliamentary elections, reiterated during a meeting with potential coalition partners that his government will implement all necessary legal measures to curb unauthorized immigration. The Chancellor-elect further underscored that, from the very first day of the new administration, Germany’s border controls will be “significantly strengthened.” He also stressed that restricting immigration will be formally integrated into the country’s residency laws.
Addressing Germany’s ongoing refugee admission programs, including those for Afghanistan, Merz stated that such initiatives must come to an end. Markus Soder, leader of Bavaria’s Christian Social Union (CSU), echoed this stance, confirming that deportation flights to Afghanistan and Syria will be arranged, while flights from Afghanistan to Germany will be permanently halted. Soder had previously suggested that the admission of Afghanistani refugees might soon be suspended.
German authorities have also confirmed that family reunification programs for individuals granted only subsidiary protection will be terminated. During the conference, officials emphasized that federal police should be authorized to detain asylum seekers who are legally obligated to leave Germany either under temporary custody or pre-departure detention. Moreover, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and the Christian Social Union (CSU) are pushing to review whether individuals with dual citizenship could be stripped of their German nationality if they are found to hold extremist or antisemitic views.