Numerous judicial officials required to expedite the handling of asylum cases.
The German Justice Minister, Marco Buschmann, has proposed a plan to quicken asylum application reviews, with appeals not exceeding six months. But, the German Judge's Association, led by Buschmann himself, receives backlash for these plans being deemed impossible at present.
Criticizing the proposed plans, the Association's business manager, Sven Rebehn, in a chat with "Augsburger Allgemeinen," absolves the need for more staff in administrative courts for successful and speedy execution: "In order to accomplish the politically declaimed objective of expeditiously resolving asylum applications within a few months, we necessitate a national push for administrative court personnel," Rebehn manifests.
Rebehn underscored the indispensability of a federal pact for the rule of law, ensuring substantial funding for justice matters, otherwise, these plans will falter. The coalition government, particularly the traffic light coalition, has shelved this commitment, Rebehn reproaches.
Buschmann: Vast regional disparities
This week, FDP politician Buschmann suggested that proceedings in administrative courts would significantly decrease in duration. The protracted proceedings negatively impact all involved parties in asylum cases, as it prolongs the residence of people without prospects of remaining in Germany. In the future, judges in asylum primary proceedings are expected to handle cases individually. For instance, a single judge should decide cases instead of a chamber as is common practice now.
Rebehn acknowledges that the reform package consists of many minute points moving in the right direction but remains insufficient in totality. At least 500 additional female judges and judges are requisite across the country to minimize the duration of proceedings.
Buschmann disclosed to the Funke Media Group that the time gap in asylum appeal proceedings varies significantly regionally. "However, an average of two years might be an issue," he admitted. This burden not only falls on asylum seekers but also strain the welfare state and potentially undermine the support for asylum law overall. With his plans for accelerating asylum appeal proceedings, substantial advancements will be made. "Our aim must be that such proceedings will be completed in the future within six months' time."
