Germany tightens measures targeting foreigners without legal stay

Germany has recently strengthened measures targeting foreigners without legal authorization to stay in the country, especially those denied asylum who are required to leave.

The relevant law was passed by the German Parliament on Thursday, garnering support from the Social Democrats, Free Democrats, and the Green Party. The law, however, faced opposition from the Christian Democrats and other parties advocating for stricter changes.

Deutsche Welle reported the new law extends the maximum imprisonment period for individuals illegally staying in Germany awaiting deportation from 10 to 28 days. Police are now authorized to conduct searches not only in refugee dormitories but also in other buildings, including during nighttime, to identify individuals facing deportation. Furthermore, advance notice of deportation will no longer be provided to illegal aliens, with exceptions only for families with children under the age of 12.

The German Ministry of the Interior said approximately 243,000 foreigners were subject to expulsion in 2023. Of these, around 193,000 migrants still possessed temporary stay rights in Germany due to logistical challenges preventing immediate deportation. The Ministry reported 16,430 cases of deportation of illegally staying individuals in 2023, marking a 27% increase compared to 2022.

In 2023, the German Federal Office for Migration and Refugees received 9,399 asylum applications from Georgian citizens, with only 0.3% of these applications granted.