Limiting and managing migration
A central point of the new migration policy is the explicit inclusion of the "limitation" of migration in the Residence Act. While previous migration policy focused heavily on integration and humanitarian responsibility, additional attention is now being paid to limiting immigration. This change signals an increased focus on order and control of migration.
The rejection of asylum seekers at national borders is a particularly controversial issue. While asylum applications have always led to an examination procedure in Germany, in future it should be possible to reject them at the common borders in coordination with European neighbors.
The aim of this measure is to stem the influx of irregular migration and reduce the burden on the German authorities.
Targeted promotion of integration
Despite the increased restriction of migration, integration remains a key component of the new strategy. The CDU, CSU and SPD are increasingly focusing on measures to contribute to the successful integration of those already living in Germany. This includes the expansion of language daycare centers and the continuation of the Startchancen program, which promotes educational equality.
A new feature is the introduction of a mandatory integration agreement that clearly regulates the rights and obligations of immigrants and thus makes integration efforts more transparent and binding.
Facilitating the immigration of skilled workers
Another focus of the new migration policy is the recruitment of qualified workers. Whereas in the past, bureaucratic hurdles and lengthy recognition procedures made the immigration of skilled workers considerably more difficult, a comprehensive digitalization of these processes should now provide a remedy.
Professional recognition is explicitly integrated into the new procedures so that qualified workers can find their place on the German labor market more quickly.
Abolition of voluntary admission programs
A clear break with previous policy can be seen in the decision to end voluntary federal admission programs wherever possible. This concerns, among other things, programs for the admission of people at risk from crisis areas such as Afghanistan. No new programs of this kind are to be launched in future.
Family reunification and returns
Another area that has also changed significantly is family reunification. While this was previously possible for beneficiaries of subsidiary protection under certain conditions, family reunification is now temporarily suspended. This measure should help to further limit the number of immigrants.
At the same time, a so-called "repatriation offensive" is being launched. The aim is to significantly increase the number of returns. To this end, it will be possible to detain people to ensure their deportation. The focus here is particularly on criminals and dangerous individuals.
Deportations to Afghanistan and Syria are to be resumed - starting with people from these risk groups.
GEAS reform and its effects
An important aspect of the new migration policy is the implementation of the Common European Asylum System ( CEAS) reform. CEAS aims to standardize asylum procedures in the EU and make them more efficient. Until now, standards and procedures have varied greatly within the EU member states, leading to so-called "secondary movements" - i.e. the onward migration of migrants within the EU after their initial contact with the asylum system.
The new coalition plans to transpose GEAS into national law and thus standardize procedures, which should lead to greater clarity and faster processing of asylum procedures.
Western Balkans regulation and its limitation
Another key point concerns the so-called Western Balkans regulation. This allows people from Western Balkan states to come to Germany without applying for asylum if they have a concrete job offer. While this regulation was previously designed for 50,000 people from June 1, 2024, the new government is now planning to limit this migration to 25,000 people per year again. This is intended to improve the control and management of these immigration flows.
Introduction of the payment card
In order to prevent the misuse of cash benefits for asylum seekers, a uniform nationwide payment card is being introduced. This is intended to ensure that state benefits are used for the intended purpose and to prevent the circumvention of these regulations.
Consistent cooperation with countries of origin
Another priority is to increase pressure on countries of origin to take back their citizens in the event of repatriation. To this end, the willingness of these countries to cooperate is to be increased through targeted measures such as the issuing of visas, development cooperation and economic agreements. The planned resumption of deportations to Afghanistan and Syria, which is to begin with the repatriation of criminals and dangerous individuals, is particularly controversial.
Expansion of safe countries of origin
The list of safe countries of origin is to be continuously expanded in future. This should help to speed up asylum procedures for people from these countries and reject unjustified applications more consistently.
Reform of nationality law
The nationality law will also be amended.
The new coalition plans to have a constitutional review carried out to determine whether it is possible to revoke the German citizenship of extremists, terror supporters and anti-Semites with dual citizenship. The prerequisite for this is that these people actively call for the abolition of the free and democratic basic order and also have a second citizenship.
The aim of this measure is to take more decisive action against those who question the fundamental values of German society.
Conclusion
The new migration policy combines increased restriction measures and stricter regulations for irregular migration with targeted incentives for the immigration of skilled workers and improved integration measures.
While many of these steps are aimed at more efficient management and control, measures to promote integration and access to the labor market also remain key elements of the strategy.
The planned measures illustrate a change of course towards a balance between humanitarian responsibility and securing social and economic stability.
