Germany is pushing the European Union to agree on a plan to send back asylum seekers whose applications have been rejected. The idea is to relocate these migrants to safe third countries close to their original home regions. This plan aims to better manage immigration across the EU.
Earlier this month, the European Commission proposed a policy allowing EU member states to reject asylum claims from migrants who passed through a safe third country before entering the EU. This proposal still needs approval from national governments and the EU Parliament.
Germany’s conservative party, led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, won the national election in February with a promise to reduce immigration levels. Many voters felt that immigration had become uncontrollable, even though asylum numbers had been falling for over a year.
Germany’s Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt said that sending migrants to third countries can only work if all EU members agree on the plan. He emphasized the need for third countries willing to accept migrants who cannot return safely to their home countries.
The European Commission’s plan has faced criticism from human rights groups. These groups worry that sending asylum seekers back to third countries may put their safety at risk and violate international refugee protections.
The plan still requires approval from the EU Parliament and all member states. Some countries have expressed doubts about whether relocating failed asylum seekers is practical and fair.
Experts say the plan’s success depends on finding trustworthy third countries willing to cooperate. Strong diplomatic agreements are needed to ensure migrants are treated properly.
If approved, this policy could reduce the number of asylum seekers staying in EU countries and make the asylum process faster. It reflects the EU’s efforts to control migration while respecting legal rights.
Germany’s proposal fits within the wider EU goal to manage migration better after large arrival numbers in recent years. However, balancing border control and human rights remains a complex challenge.
