Deportations to third countries made easier
Previously, deportation to a third country outside the EU was only possible if the person concerned had a prior connection to that country. For example, through family or a previous stay.
The new EU rule changes this. In future, an asylum application may be rejected as "inadmissible" if a person could also receive protection outside the EU.
This means that in this case, Germany no longer has to examine whether the person is entitled to asylum or subsidiary protection. Instead, it is decided that a third country is responsible for the procedure. The asylum seeker can then be deported to this third country.
Another new feature is that asylum seekers no longer need to have a personal connection (e.g., through family or a previous stay) to that country. They can also be deported to a third country, even if they have never been there before.
Important: Deportation is still only permitted if the third country is actually safe and access to a fair asylum procedure is possible there. The principle of non-refoulement remains in place—that is, the prohibition on deporting people to countries where they face torture or inhumane treatment.
EU member states can apply this new concept,
- if there is a previous connection to the third country,
- if the asylum seeker has traveled through this country,
- or if there is an agreement between the EU country and the third country
First joint EU list of safe countries of origin
In addition, the EU has adopted a common list of safe countries of origin for the first time. This list will apply to all member states in the future—including Germany. The following countries are now considered safe countries of origin at the EU level:
- Bangladesh
- Colombia
- Egypt
- India
- Kosovo
- Morocco
- Tunisia
In Germany , Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Ghana, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro, Moldova, Senegal, and Serbia, as well as all 27 EU countries, are also considered safe.
In future , countries wishing to join the EU will also be considered safe countries of origin. These could include Albania, Montenegro, and Turkey. Exceptions may be made if there is armed conflict in the candidate country, serious human rights violations, or if more than 20 percent of asylum applications are approved.
Asylum applications from persons from these "safe countries of origin" are generally processed more quickly. However, this does not mean that applications are automatically rejected. Each case must still be examined individually. However, it is legally easier to reject an application as "manifestly unfounded. "
Regardless of this, the following applies: Even for persons from safe countries of origin, deportation to a safe third country is possible.
Part of the EU migration and asylum package
The new rules are part of the EU migration and asylum package. This package aims to reform the European asylum system, standardize procedures, and improve cooperation between member states. One of its goals is to achieve a more equitable distribution of responsibility within the EU.
Most of the regulations will come into force on June 12, 2026. Individual provisions may be applied earlier.
Conclusion: What do the new rules mean for asylum seekers in Germany?
From June 2026 at the latest, EU countries will be able to reject asylum applications more quickly as "inadmissible. " This means that they will no longer have to examine the substance of applications if a safe third country outside the EU could also offer protection to the person concerned.
A person may only be deported to a third country if that country is considered safe for them. In addition, a fair asylum procedure must be possible in that third country.
Deportation is permitted to countries with which the asylum seeker had a previous connection or if an agreement exists.
As things stand at present, Germany has not yet concluded any specific agreements with third countries. This means that even though the EU has adopted the new rules, such deportations cannot yet be implemented in practice.
In addition, further countries have been classified as safe countries of origin. Alongside the German list, there is now also a joint EU list for the first time.
For asylum seekers from these countries, this means that their applications can be processed more quickly. It is also legally easier to reject an application as "manifestly unfounded. "
