A group of migration experts has harshly criticized the German government’s refugee policy. The report, “Global Displacement 2026” presented in Berlin on Monday, asserts that the decline in the number of asylum applicants in Germany is not primarily due to the government’s actions. The measures specifically cited as problematic include domestic border controls, deportations, the introduction of the prepaid card system, and cuts to social benefits. The experts argue that Germany should shift its focus toward taking greater responsibility rather than increasing its border fortifications.
Petra Bendel, one of the co-editors of the report, told the dts Nachrichtenagentur that “responsibility means granting protection to those who need it”. However, she noted that access to fundamental human and protection rights continues to be curtailed. She highlighted that the systematic control at borders and the rejection of asylum seekers are, for example, not “compliant with legal standards”.
According to Bendel, a lack of legal entry routes is another major failing. She pointed out that most people seeking entry originate from places where they have virtually no legal channels of entry, forcing them to enter irregularly before they can submit an asylum claim. While resettlement programs previously existed as an option, they have been discontinued in many countries, including Germany. Furthermore, humanitarian admission programs have also been shut down.
Co-editor Benjamin Etzold added a broader critique, drawing attention to Germany’s high military export volume. He stated that it must be assumed that German weapons are being used in conflict zones. He cited the conflict in Sudan as a specific example.
The “Global Displacement” report is published annually as part of the FFVT project, a collaboration involving the BICC, CHREN, and IMIS institutes.
