Background: What is the GEAS?
The reform of the Common European Asylum System (CEAS) was adopted by the EU member states in spring 2024. The aim is to curb irregular migration more effectively, speed up asylum procedures and distribute refugees more fairly within Europe.
All 27 EU member states must transpose the requirements into national law by June 2026 at the latest. Germany is now taking the first step with the cabinet decision.
This is what the reform provides for in Germany
The CEAS reform comprises a directive and ten regulations, which Germany has largely adopted on a one-to-one basis. The cabinet has approved two draft laws to this end. In concrete terms, this means
- Asylum and border procedures: Asylum applications from people who enter Germany by plane or ship via an external EU border are to be examined directly at the airport or port. If protection is not granted, a return procedure follows, which should enable repatriation to the country of origin within twelve weeks.
- Screening and EURODAC: All irregularly entered asylum seekers are to be checked within a few days - including an identity check, health and security check and biometric data collection. This data is stored in the EURODAC database, to which all EU countries have access.
- Safe third countries: In future, the federal government will be able to determine by decree which countries are classified as "safe". This should enable faster asylum procedures and returns . People from countries of origin classified as safe have less chance of being granted asylum.
- Solidarity mechanism: EU countries that are severely affected by migration should receive support from other EU countries - by taking in refugees, financial contributions or other measures. Countries such as Hungary continue to reject this.
- Freedom of movement and detention: Freedom of movement may be restricted or detention ordered in the event of violations of asylum conditions or if there is a risk of absconding - always on a case-by-case basis.
- Reductions in benefits: Anyone who violates rules in accommodation or ignores reporting obligations must expect reductions in benefits.
- Access to the labor market: Asylum seekers should be allowed to work after six months at the latest - usually after just three. This does not apply to people from safe countries of origin, Dublin cases and people who abuse the right of asylum.
Additional tightening in Germany
In addition to the EU requirements, the German government is also planning further measures that will apply immediately after the announcement:
- Secondary migration centers: People who have already received protection in another EU country are to be accommodated here. They can be returned directly from there.
- Stricter residence and registration obligations: Authorities will be given more opportunities to oblige asylum seekers to reside and register. The aim is to enforce returns and transfers - for example under the Dublin Regulation - more quickly and consistently.
- Expansion of checks at airports: In future, checks will be carried out more frequently to determine whether asylum procedures can be carried out in the transit area - i.e. before entry.
- Easier deportation of sex offenders: The legal hurdles for deportation in such cases are to be lowered.
Interior Minister Dobrindt wants to go even further
Interior Minister Dobrindt defended the reform as an "important milestone" in the ZDF morning show. At the same time, he announced that Germany would work with partner countries to achieve even stricter rules.
These include "return hubs" outside the EU, to which asylum seekers who are not entitled to asylum in Europe but cannot be deported to their home countries are to be brought.
In Germany, a decision on the EU law has already been postponed twice - due to differences between CDU and SPD-led ministries. Particularly controversial: Dobrindt's plan to detain migrants who violate conditions.
Criticism from human rights organizations
Refugee and human rights organizations warn that the reform undermines the right to asylum. They are particularly critical of the planned border procedures, as minors would also be affected. Only unaccompanied children are tobe exempt.
Organizations such as Pro Asyl fear that people seeking protection will in future be stuck at external borders under detention-like conditions - without sufficient access to legal protection and support. Church associations are also concerned that Europe is focusing on isolation rather than protection.
Conclusion: When will the law come into force?
The cabinet's decision is only an interim step. The Bundestag and Bundesrat must now give their approval. Only then will the changes come into force.
For asylum seekers in Germany, this means that residence requirements, employment rights and benefits could soon change significantly. The planned secondary migration centers in particular could directly affect the everyday lives of many refugees.
With the cabinet decision, the German government is taking the next step towards a stricter EU asylum policy. Supporters speak of more order and fairness, while critics warn of an erosion of the fundamental right to asylum.
One thing is clear: from 2026, the asylum system in Europe will change fundamentally - with noticeable consequences for those seeking protection in Germany.
