The German government is exploring options to facilitate the relocation of asylum seekers to countries outside of Europe, a move intended to reshape the approach to migration management within the European Union. Alexander Dobrindt, the Federal Interior Minister, announced the potential policy shift during a meeting with European counterparts in Bavaria.
The current framework, which ties asylum seekers to specific agreements with third countries, has previously hindered initiatives like the “Rwanda model”. This constraint will be re-evaluated to allow for greater flexibility in processing applications and relocating individuals. The aim is to move beyond the established principle that protection granted under EU regulations necessitates protection “within” the EU.
The government emphasized a desire to be a proactive force in shaping European migration policy, moving away from a perceived role of obstruction. Discussions focused on strengthening and refining the EU’s migration system, including the potential establishment of “return hubs” in third countries. These hubs would serve as locations for accommodating individuals subject to deportation proceedings outside of the European Union.
The move also acknowledges ongoing legal concerns surrounding the safety and welfare of asylum seekers in third-party nations, though specific measures to address these concerns were not detailed. The government intends to pursue these changes as a means of adapting to future migration flows and strengthening the EU’s overall response.
