Hamburg is recording a sharp decline in refugee registrations

Hamburg is recording a sharp decline in refugee registrations

The current situation for refugees in Hamburg is an emotional rollercoaster. In May of this year, 830 refugees registered in the Hanseatic city, which is almost 100 more than in April. Nevertheless, the total number has fallen by almost 40 percent compared to May 2024, when over 1,300 asylum and protection seekers were registered. NDR reports that most of the new arrivals come from Afghanistan, followed by Ghana, Syria and Türkiye. The number of people fleeing Ukraine has also increased, reaching over 300 people, while the number of Russian citizens fleeing their homeland has also increased.

What does this mean specifically for the accommodation of refugees? At the moment, the occupancy rate of accommodation in Hamburg is around 92 percent. That's a small ray of hope, because last year the rates were consistently above 95 percent. However, the situation is tense as the number of people needing accommodation exceeds the available capacity. The Senate plans to create around 3,400 new places for refugees by the end of 2025, including a new building on Langenhorner Markt that will provide living space for up to 250 refugees and homeless people [Hamburg.de].

Accommodation measures and challenges

The pressure remains eventful as, according to the Hamburg social authorities, several properties have been rented to ensure short-term accommodation. These properties, which are often used as interim locations, are sometimes also hotel locations. The number of over-residences, i.e. those who are waiting for a place in subsequent accommodation, was reduced slightly. However, despite efforts, people continue to have to be accommodated in tents, a situation that worsens the humanitarian situation. The protection of refugees, which is enshrined in law, is now becoming an urgent challenge for the city Hamburg.de.

What are the numerous challenges in asylum law, which is regulated by Article 16a of the Basic Law? Refugees who apply for asylum in Germany can do so at the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF). Although around 1.2 million war refugees from Ukraine do not have to go through the asylum procedure, the regulations for other countries of origin such as Syria, Afghanistan or the country of origin of the newly arriving Russians remain immensely important Statista.

Deportations and integration

In the last few months in particular, Hamburg has also recorded an increasing number of deportations as the city returns refugees for whom another EU state is responsible. In 2023, around 16,400 people were deported across Germany, the highest level since 2019. This development raises questions, because while more and more refugees are coming to the city, the public debate about residency rights and integration remains tense.NDRsees an urgent need for action to ensure humane treatment.

In summary, the situation for refugees in Hamburg remains complicated. The city is trying to create more places, while at the same time the need for deportation and successful integration is becoming more important. It remains to be seen how the situation will develop in the coming months.