Refugees in Germany. News. By the end of the first half of 2024, there were about 3.48 million refugees in Germany, according to the Central Register of Foreigners. This is around 60,000 more than at the end of 2023 and the highest number since the 1950s, as reported by “Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung” and quoted by Zeit. A third of these refugees come from Ukraine. The Finance Minister has announced cuts in basic support for asylum seekers.
Refugee numbers in Germany reach their highest level
The latest count includes everyone currently seeking humanitarian protection in Germany, no matter their residence status. This includes asylum seekers, recognized refugees, and those with temporary permission to stay. About a third of the 3.48 million refugees registered are from Ukraine. Their number has grown by around 45,000 since the end of 2023, reaching 1.18 million people.
Decrease in asylum applications
The number of asylum applications in Germany has been decreasing for several months. In August 2023, 29,567 people applied for asylum. From January to August 2023, a total of 174,369 applications were submitted, marking a 21.7% drop compared to the same time last year.
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Decrease in number of people obliged to leave Germany
The number of people required to leave Germany is also going down due to deportations and voluntary departures. By mid-2024, statistics showed 226,882 people obligated to leave, a drop of 15,760 compared to the end of 2023. Four out of five of these individuals (80.5%) are allowed to stay temporarily because their deportation is not possible due to conditions in their home countries.
Critique of the migration debate
Clara Bünger, the Left Party’s refugee spokeswoman in the Bundestag, criticized the ongoing migration debate in Germany. She pointed out that around 3.5 million refugees live in the country, many for decades, making up just four percent of the population. Speaking to the Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung, she said, “Despite this, politicians from the ruling coalition, the CDU, and the AfD are trying to make it seem like this small minority is responsible for all the problems. This is dangerous nonsense that only empowers the far right.”
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Cuts to benefits for asylum seekers
Finance Minister Christian Lindner has announced cuts to basic benefits for asylum seekers, reducing them by 13 to 19 euros per month. Lindner explained that the cuts are due to expected lower inflation in 2024 and are also meant to limit the “magnet effect” of Germany’s welfare system.
At present, asylum seekers receive up to €460 per month. Those in first-registration centres, where they are provided with a bed, meals, and clothing, get only €164 to cover other expenses like public transport, entertainment, and phone costs.