German government pushes for new refugee IDs

Germany's government approved a proposal to introduce a new type of identification for all refugees in the country. The proposed bill also envisioned a central database to store information on the newcomers, as the country was expected to receive up to a million refugees.

Interior minister Thomas de Maiziere said on 9 December 2014 the draft law was meant to improve data sharing between officials handling asylum-seekers. New identification would include physical details from refugees, while registration centres were also expected to retain fingerprints. Refugees would need the new ID before applying for benefits as asylum-seekers.

The German parliament approved the proposal on 14 January 2016.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: Merkel pressured by own camp to change course on refugees / Berlin and Vienna try to put brakes on refugee influx http://www.europeansources.info/record/merkel-pressured-by-own-camp-to-change-course-on-refugees-berlin-and-vienna-try-to-put-brakes-on-refugee-influx/

EurActiv, 10.12.15: Germany to issue refugees with identity cards http://www.euractiv.com/sections/justice-home-affairs/germany-issue-refugees-identity-cards-320292

The Wall Street Journal, 09.12.15: German Cabinet Approves ID Card Plan for Migrants http://www.wsj.com/articles/germany-cabinet-approves-id-card-plan-for-migrants-1449663398

EUObserver, 09.12.15: [Opinion] Flexing muscles, losing reflexes: Germany's role in Europe https://euobserver.com/opinion/131453

Deutsche Welle, 14.01.16: German parliament approves IDs for refugees http://dw.com/p/1HdwR

EurActiv, 18.01.16: New refugee card could add to Germany's bureaucratic woes http://www.euractiv.com/sections/justice-home-affairs/new-refugee-card-could-add-germanys-bureaucratic-woes-321026

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