Germany Temporarily Suspends Refugee Resettlement Program Amid Coalition Talks

Germany has temporarily suspended its refugee resettlement program, which provides relocation for refugees facing war and persecution who cannot remain in other countries. The Interior Ministry and UNHCR announced that no new applications will be accepted until coalition talks between the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), the Christian Social Union (CSU), and the Social Democratic Party (SPD) are concluded. The Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) stated that the procedures have been halted and no new applications will be accepted until a new government is formed. However, some files that have reached an advanced stage may be considered as exceptions. Germany had pledged to accept a total of 13,100 refugees in 2024 and 2025. According to UNHCR data, only 5,061 people have been admitted to Germany so far. This number includes Syrian refugees accepted from Turkey under the 2016 EU-Turkey agreement. UNHCR identifies refugees who cannot stay long-term in their first country of asylum for resettlement in countries like Germany. German authorities interview refugees and conduct security checks while they are still in their country of origin. Refugees admitted to Germany through this method do not have to apply for asylum and receive a three-year residence permit directly. They can obtain permanent residence if they successfully integrate.