Thuringia closes initial reception center for Ukrainian refugees
Thuringia is closing the initial reception center in Suhl for Ukrainian refugees due to falling arrival numbers.

Thuringia closes initial reception center for Ukrainian refugees
On October 1, 2025, a new step in dealing with Ukrainian refugees was taken in Thuringia. The initial reception center in Werther, which only opened in April 2024 and could accommodate up to 150 people, will be closed. The background to this decision is the significant decline in the number of arrivals of refugees from Ukraine Frankenpost reported. So far in 2025, around 2,800 Ukrainian refugees have been admitted to Thuringia, which corresponds to an average of around 12 arrivals per day. For comparison: In the first year after Russia's attack on Ukraine on February 24, 2022, more than 30,000 refugees were admitted.
To date, Thuringia has welcomed a total of 50,861 people from Ukraine. The initial reception center in Werther was an important contact point for many of these people seeking protection until it was closed. The facilities in Hermsdorf and Jena were closed in June 2024. The facility in Suhl is also on the list of closures and will be replaced by a new building next year.
The legal framework for refugee protection
In this context, it is important to understand the legal framework for refugees. Refugee protection under the Geneva Refugee Convention (GFK) offers more comprehensive rights than a simple right to asylum. The NVC also applies to persecution by non-state actors. The only requirement for receiving this protection status is that entry through a safe third country does not automatically lead to exclusion, as is the case MDR explained.
One of the advantages for recognized refugees is the residence permit, which is granted for three years. This can be converted into a permanent settlement permit after acquiring German language skills and a secure livelihood. The right to asylum for politically persecuted people is also clearly regulated, with the right to asylum being anchored in Article 16a of the Basic Law.
In addition, there is subsidiary protection, which takes effect if there is a threat of civil war or other serious threats in the country of origin. This protection status is initially granted for one year, but can be extended to two years if extensions are necessary. Whether a deportation ban is issued depends on whether there is a risk of human rights violations during a return or whether the safety of the person concerned is not guaranteed in the destination country.
The closure of the initial reception centers in Thuringia raises many questions: How can we meet the ongoing needs of refugees while at the same time the number of people coming to us is decreasing? It remains to be seen how the situation will develop and what measures politicians will take to provide the best possible support to those seeking protection.