As is known, in 2015 about 1.2 million people who arrived in the country seeking asylum were registered in Germany. However, as of the end of the year, only about 442,000 people had managed to submit applications for refugee status. Due to the large influx of applicants and a shortage of staff, weeks or even months may pass between initial registration and the submission of an application.
According to official data from the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF), more than two-thirds of those who managed to submit an application for refugee status are men. In addition, over 70 percent of applicants are under 30 years old.
Among those who applied for refugee status in Germany in 2015, about 36% (almost 159,000 people) hold Syrian passports. 12.2% of applicants are Albanians, 7.6% are Kosovars. However, while Syrian applications were approved in 96% of cases, only 0.2% of Albanians and 0.4% of Kosovars managed to obtain asylum in Germany.
In Germany, there is a system for distributing asylum seekers among the 16 federal states based on population size and tax revenues. The largest number of refugees in 2015 was accommodated in North Rhine-Westphalia (Cologne is located here) – 21.2%. Bavaria follows with 15.3%. Every 20th potential refugee ends up in Berlin. The smallest quota is Bremen's – 0.9%.
The German state allocates 359 euros per month for the upkeep of one refugee. Of this, 143 euros are given in cash, and the remaining funds asylum seekers in Germany receive in the form of food, clothing, medical care, and so on. In addition, 6 square meters of living space are allocated per refugee.
The influx of refugees in 2015 exposed the imperfections of German legislation in this area. The BAMF is working to speed up the processing of applications from refugees from relatively safe regions, while the Bundestag is discussing tightening the law on deporting those who have been denied asylum. And in January, a system of identification cards was approved that is intended to regulate the stay of refugees in Germany.
In 2015, the number of offenses related to refugee shelters increased almost fivefold compared to the previous year. The Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) counted 924 attacks on shelters, 825 of which were attributed to right-wing extremists. In 163 cases, the use of violence was reported. In addition, German law enforcement agencies counted 76 arson attacks and 11 attempted arson attacks.
The BKA also notes an increase in crime in refugee dormitories. Half of the crimes committed there are of a violent nature. The head of the BKA explained that the increase in offenses is facilitated by the fact that a large number of young migrants are forced to live in great overcrowding for many weeks and even months, while there are huge differences between refugees from different countries.
Recently, the German authorities have been denying entry to the country to between 100 and 200 refugees daily. This was reported by German Interior Minister Thomas de Maizière. 'To people who are fleeing wars and persecution, we in Germany provide security and protection,' de Maizière said. However, those who do not apply for asylum in Germany and want to enter the country without permission 'have no right to be here,' the minister added.
According to the German Interior Ministry, the police can check about 3,500 migrants daily at the border. Thus, almost all refugees wishing to obtain asylum in Germany who are currently at the German border can be fully registered and distributed across the federal states. According to the ministry, about 2,000 refugees enter Germany daily.
Based on materials from Deutsche Welle.