Teggatz argued that existing incentives within Germany are a primary driver of continued migration challenges, positioning the country as an outlier among EU member states He suggested that continued provision of benefits comparable to six months’ salary in migrants’ home countries would render even substantial border enforcement ineffective
The union representative emphasized that border controls alone are insufficient and advocated for consistent deportation of rejected asylum seekers, coupled with a reduction in “pull factors” attracting migrants He proposed limiting benefits for those arriving via other EU nations to essential provisions – shelter, food and basic medical care – instead of those provided under the Asylum Seeker Benefits Act
The Federal Ministry of the Interior, however, maintains that a policy shift is already underway A spokesperson cited enhanced border rejections, the suspension of family reunification for those with subsidiary protection status and the elimination of accelerated naturalization procedures as measures designed to reduce Germany’s attractiveness as a destination The ministry points to decreasing initial asylum application numbers as evidence of this effect and highlights ongoing efforts to implement the Common European Asylum System into national law The spokesperson confirmed plans to strengthen and tighten existing European regulations to further diminish pull factors
Günter Krings, deputy parliamentary leader of the CDU/CSU, echoed concerns surrounding benefit levels He noted existing avenues for reductions at a local level but acknowledged legal constraints hindering more widespread application Krings suggested streamlining the process for reducing state benefits to the legally permissible minimum for individuals obligated to depart, arguing this should become standard practice
