The government plans to designate countries as “safe origin states” without requiring the involvement of the Bundestag (Federal Parliament) and Bundesrat (Federal Council) are drawing both support and criticism. Boris Rhein, Minister President of Hesse, has welcomed the initiative, describing it as “an important step towards steering and limiting irregular migration.
The draft legislation, introduced by the governing coalition, aims to streamline asylum procedures by classifying certain nations as safe, signaling to potential migrants that they do not qualify for protection and are discouraged from undertaking potentially perilous journeys. Rhein emphasized that the designation sends a clear message to individuals considering migration.
The move aligns with repeated calls from state leaders to expand the list of safe origin states. Rhein stated this expansion is crucial to address the challenge of integrating individuals with the right to remain within Germany.
However, the approach has faced strong opposition. Filiz Polat, Parliamentary Secretary of the Green Party, sharply criticized the government’s bypassing of parliamentary and state bodies. She argued that this action undermines fundamental principles of the rule of law and that parliamentary involvement is a constitutional requirement, not a procedural obstacle.
In contrast, the Social Democratic Party (SPD) has defended the decision. Dirk Wiese, Parliamentary Secretary of the SPD, argued that classifying additional safe origin states is justified given the low rate of asylum claim approvals. He highlighted that simplifying and accelerating procedures will relieve pressure on the judiciary, local authorities and asylum seekers themselves, allowing for quicker resolution and clarity.
