Third-country asylum processes remain under scrutiny by Faeser, though other pressing matters claim attention.
Discussion happened last Thursday with the Minister-Presidents and Minister-Presidentesses, alongside Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD), focusing on advancements in already agreed-upon legislative initiatives concerning immigration policies. Scholz stressed, upon the request of union-led states, the need for further examination of asylum processes in foreign countries. Expectations for results are set for December.
Faeser commented that collaboration with third countries may serve as another piece in the migration policy puzzle. However, he noted their impact won't be as substantial as the EU asylum system in reducing refugee numbers. This notion was backed by previous experiences of Italy and Britain with outsourcing models. Italy's arrangement with Albania deals with 3000 asylum applicants, while Britain's partnership with Rwanda handles 6000.
Currently, the federal government has no intention of discussing outsourcing asylum procedures with countries beyond the EU. Steffen Hebestreit, the government spokesperson, explained this would be a subsequent step. First, an agreement must be reached with the federal states to establish if such an approach is practical. Only then can the federal government consider approaching potential nations.
Faeser insisted on swift implementation of the already agreed-upon reform of the European asylum system. He views this as crucial for limiting immigration, controlling borders, providing robust protection for EU external borders, and achieving a fairer distribution within Europe — the key to suppressing illegal immigration.
Bavaria's Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann (CSU) conveys plans to visit Tirana, Albania, in August to gain firsthand knowledge. While the Italian model can't be directly replicated, he believes ways and means must be found. Herrmann also encourages the Foreign Office to take a more active role in assessing the situation in Syria and questioning the possibility of returns to Syria.
The Federal Interior Ministry consulted numerous experts on asylum processes in foreign countries prior to the Bund-Länder-Treffen. Their insights mainly revolved around Britain's plans for asylum procedures in eastern African Rwanda and Italy's agreement on asylum procedures in Albania. The majority of experts expressed doubt about the transferability of these models to Germany, citing significant legal and practical obstacles.
Saarland's Minister-President Anke Rehlinger (SPD) expressed considerable skepticism towards outsourcing immigration to third countries, as did other Social Democrat-led states. "Given the current expert opinions, I don't see how such a solution could be legally and factually viable," she said on Friday. "But it's worth revisiting."
Faeser revealed ongoing confidential negotiations with numerous countries regarding the deportation of rejected asylum seekers. He emphasized the importance of consistently deporting dangerous offenders, Islamist extremists, and bigots. New expulsion orders are to be created for efficient deportations.
