Luise Amtsberg, the Human Rights Commissioner of the Federal Government (Greens), has recently called for easier visas for activists and criticised the planned relocation of asylum procedures.
Commissioner Amtsberg has urged for simplified visa processes for human rights activists, especially those from countries Russia and Iran, SchengenVisaInfo reports.
Reportedly, she told the Editorial Network Germany (RND) that visas should be easier to obtain and there should be more opportunities for people to keep working in Germany.
They need humanitarian visas that can be issued quickly and the opportunity, for example, to switch from a temporary Schengen visa to a secure protection status, the so-called lane change.
As further reported by local media in Germany, Amtsberg also expressed criticism of the plan to move asylum procedures to third countries like Rwanda.
I consider this entire project to be legally inadmissible, fatal in terms of domestic and foreign policy and also completely absurd for practical reasons.
Germany to Become Less Attractive for Asylum Seekers
In 2023, Germany emerged as the EU country with the highest number of asylum seekers, receiving a total of 334,000 applications. According to statistics revealed by the European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA), Germany received more applications than France (167 000) and Spain (162 000) together.
However, Germany is expected to become less attractive to asylum-seekers this year, according to an earlier report by DW. Official data shows that in the first six months of 2023, the government deported 7,861 people to their home countries. In addition, this number is expected to increase following the new law called the Repatriation Improvement Act.
Reportedly, some of the changes include an end to the practice of pre-announcing deportations and prolonging asylum detention to 28 days. Police will also get more authority to search for and check belongings, like phones, of those who have to leave.
Furthermore, asylum seekers are set to get fewer benefits. For example, they will have to wait three years instead of 18 months to get welfare payments. Cost of food will also be deducted for individuals living in state housing.
In addition, several cities in Germany want to switch to a card-based benefit system instead of processing payments through banks. Reportedly, this change aims to prevent asylum seekers from transferring money to relatives in their home countries.
Germany Intends to Become More Attractive for Skilled Foreigners
On the other hand, immigration for skilled workers will be simplified. Among other things, foreigners who qualify based on skills, language and work experience, would be granted a one year visa to find employment. The income condition has also been reduced, making it easier for applicants to bring along their family members.
