Federal government of Germany has begun considering a bill to create a new database. It plans to collect information on visas issued in Germany as well as applications for entry documents.
The new legislative initiative of the ruling CDU/CSU bloc sparked a heated debate in German society - largely because the new electronic database will contain information not only about those seeking a visa but also about all those who issue invitations for them. Moreover, anyone who makes more than four invitations in two years automatically falls into the group of suspected abusers.
Among other things, according to Deutsche Welle, access to the database, in the opinion of many lawmakers, should in the future be granted not only to diplomatic agencies but also to the police and intelligence services.
Many German organizations that deal with refugee rights have sharply criticized the new bill. In their opinion, it is unlawful that all foreigners seeking an entry document to Germany are automatically placed in the category of suspects. And the government's data protection commissioner Peter Schaar and Green Party internal affairs expert Wolfgang Wieland point out that the authorities are effectively treating many German citizens as potential criminals as well. Moreover, the politicians emphasize that the new rules could become a serious obstacle for charitable organizations, universities, and research institutes.