German coalition approves tighter asylum rules

German Chancellor Angela Merkel's centre-right Christian Democrats (CDU), and their Social Democrat (SPD) coalition partners agreed on 28 January 2016 to tighten asylum rules, reaching a compromise on how to stem an influx of migrants that topped one million in 2015.

The new measures include a two-year ban on family reunions for asylum seekers who are granted limited refugee protection and speeding up the deportations of failed applicants, said Economy Minister Sigmar Gabriel, announcing the deal.

The coalition leaders agreed to extend the list of safe countries of origin to include Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia. Asylum-seekers from these countries would be returned to their home countries as swiftly as possible.

The decisions taken would mean that this second asylum package could be put in front of the Cabinet very swiftly.
The package would supplement the 1st asylum package which was agreed by the leaders of the coalition parties at a meeting on 5 November 2015.

German minister of labour and social affairs Andrea Nahles called in February 2016 for €450 million to help integrate refugees into the labour market.

ESO: Background information: Germany to extend border controls indefinitely: interior minister http://www.europeansources.info/record/germany-to-extend-border-controls-indefinitely-interior-minister/

EUObserver, 29.01.16: Germany tightens asylum rules https://euobserver.com/migration/132054

BBC News, 28.01.16: Migrant crisis: Germany moves to cut asylum claims http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-35435270

Deutsche Welle, 28.01.16: Gabriel: German coalition reaches deal on new asylum laws http://dw.com/p/1HlRH

The New York Times, 27.01.16: German Cabinet Backs Measures to Ease Deportation of Criminals http://www.nytimes.com/2016/01/28/world/europe/germany-merkel-refugee-crisis.html

The Local.de, 29.01.16: Coalition leaders agree on tough new refugee rules http://www.thelocal.de/20160129/north-africa-to-be-designated-safe-as-govt-gets-tough-on-refugees

Euronews, 29.01.16: Germany agrees new measures to stem flow of migrants http://www.euronews.com/2016/01/29/germany-agrees-new-measures-to-stem-flow-of-migrants/

Politico, 29.01.16: Germany toughens refugee policy http://www.politico.eu/article/germany-toughens-refugee-policy-gabriel-merkel-asylum-seekers-family-reunification/

Deutsche Welle, 29.01.16: Refugees sue Germany for lagging on asylum applications http://dw.com/p/1Hlrn

ESO: Background information: Merkel's Bavarian allies reignite refugee row with call for cap http://www.europeansources.info/record/merkels-bavarian-allies-reignite-refugee-row-with-call-for-cap/

ESO: Information Guide: European Migration Challenges http://www.europeansources.info/record/information-guide-european-migration-challenges/

The Local.de, 29.01.16: Germany ‘pays African states to take asylum rejects’ http://www.thelocal.de/20160129/germany-pays-african-countries-to-take-asylum-rejects

Germany: Federal Government: News, 29.01.16: Green light for the second asylum package https://www.bundesregierung.de/Content/EN/Artikel/2016/01_en/2016-01-27-treffen-bkin-pm-laender.html

Germany: Federal Foreign Office: Foreign and European Policy: Global Issues: Refugee policy http://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/EN/Aussenpolitik/GlobaleFragen/Fluechtlinge/Uebersicht_node.html

Spiegel Online International, 29.01.16: German Interior Minister on Refugee Crisis: 'We Want Clarity on the Refugee Crisis by Spring' http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/interview-with-german-interior-minister-on-refugee-crisis-a-1074630.html

Politico, 02.01.16: Germany tells refugees: Integrate or else http://www.politico.eu/article/germany-tells-refugees-integrate-or-else/

Politico, 08.02.16: Senior Merkel ally wants tougher asylum rules http://www.politico.eu/article/senior-merkel-ally-wants-tougher-asylum-rules-cdu-germany-refugees-migration/

EurActiv, 09.02.16: Legal experts cast doubt on new German asylum measures http://www.euractiv.com/sections/justice-home-affairs/legal-experts-cast-doubt-new-german-asylum-measures-321695

EurActiv, 11.02.16: German minister asks for half a billion to create jobs for refugees http://www.euractiv.com/sections/social-europe-jobs/german-minister-asks-half-billion-create-jobs-refugees-321787

Spiegel Onlne International, 10.02.16: [Opinion]: Refugee Debate: The Shrillest Are Gaining the Upper Hand http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/opinion-we-cannot-let-naysayers-win-in-refugee-debate-a-1076665.html

Social Europe Journal, 22.02.16: Refugees: The Bright And Dark Sides Of Modern Germany https://www.socialeurope.eu/2016/02/refugees-bright-dark-sides-modern-germany/

---