Wüst in favor of discussion on asylum procedures in Africa
Ahead of a meeting between the federal and state governments, NRW Minister President Hendrik Wüst (CDU) has backed up his call to discuss asylum procedures outside of Europe. Wüst told the radio station WDR5 on Monday morning that this could be done under the umbrella of the United Nations with proper, legally secure procedures and people could be safely accommodated in an African country, for example. Those who have successfully completed the procedure are allowed to come to Europe and also to Germany - "but the others do not take the dangerous route to the Mediterranean and then end up here after all". Wüst called for an end to the deaths in the Mediterranean.
The demand to outsource asylum procedures to third countries raises many questions about feasibility as well as legality. For example, countries along the refugee routes would have to be found that are willing to do so.
The conference of minister presidents on Monday afternoon should also address the contentious issue of migration. "I expect us to agree that we should simply put an end to irregular migration to Germany," said Wüst. To do this, it will not be enough to talk about "what is somehow still possible in the traffic lights". A distinction must be made "between those who really need our help, who need protection, who are fleeing war and displacement, and those who may have good reasons for wanting to live here [...] but who ultimately have no right to asylum".
Wüst also called for a reduction in benefits for asylum seekers. There needs to be a harmonization of payments in Europe, "and in terms of German benefits, that means that they would go down", said the CDU politician on RTL/ntv "Frühstart".
The Federal Government and the Federal states should consider implementing asylum procedures outside Europe, particularly in Africa, under the United Nations' supervision to ensure legal security and safe accommodation. This could potentially reduce the number of refugees taking the dangerous journey to the Mediterranean.
The Federal Government's proposal to outsource asylum procedures to third countries, such as the African states, requires careful consideration of both feasibility and legality, as well as finding willing countries along the refugee routes.
Source: www.dpa.com
