Brandenburg's new plan: Stricter rules for asylum seekers and returns!

Brandenburg's new plan: Stricter rules for asylum seekers and returns!

A lot is happening again in asylum policy in Brandenburg. The state government is planning a new state reception law, which will regulate in particular how asylum seekers and people who are obliged to leave the country are dealt with. This law will have consequences for many thousands of people and will significantly change the structures in the region. As rbb24 reports, asylum seekers without prospects of staying will no longer be distributed among the municipalities in the future, which could have a significant impact on the integration of refugees into society.

The planned measures include, among other things, a longer period of stay in initial reception facilities. This will be increased from a maximum of 18 to 24 months, with the exception of families with underage children. This means that a large number of asylum seekers have to stay in the facilities for longer before they are potentially transferred to other communities.

New facilities for efficient returns

Another key point of the law is the creation of new facilities, including state transition facilities, exit centers and exit custody. These are intended to check the residency prospects of those affected. The aim is to make returns or voluntary departures more efficient. Interior Minister René Wilke emphasizes that the exit facilities will not be detention centers, which is of great importance for the people affected.

Particularly noteworthy is the planned opening of a deportation center in Schönefeld, as Brandenburg currently does not have its own deportation facility. The managing director of the Association of Cities and Municipalities, Jens Graf, is satisfied with the draft and emphasizes the need to redesign responsibility at the municipal level.

Current numbers and challenges

A look at the current figures shows that the situation requires urgent action. In 2024, 8,122 refugees have already been registered, with 3,749 people being counted from January to September alone. In the initial reception in Eisenhüttenstadt, around 1,200 of the 2,200 available places are occupied. In addition, more than 6,400 people in Brandenburg are considered legally obliged to leave the country. These figures illustrate the challenges facing the state government.

In the context of these developments, it is also important to consider the legal framework. According to the European Reception Directive RL 2013/33/EU, basic standards for the reception of persons applying for international protection must be adhered to. The Dublin III Regulation and the Return Directive RL 2008/115/EC also represent important aspects that must be taken into account in the new law. Information about this can be found at the Refugee Council of Brandenburg, which also points out the need for the guidelines to be adopted in a timely manner.

The planned law now has to go to the cabinet and then to the state parliament for discussion and adoption. The coming weeks are likely to be decisive as to how asylum policy will continue in Brandenburg. Preparations are already in full swing - after all, there is a lot on the hearts of these people who are simply looking for a safe life.