Germany has proposed a new plan to deport illegal migrants to Rwanda, following the recent scrapping of a similar scheme by the UK’s new Labour government. Joachim Stamp, Germany’s migration commissioner, announced that the plan would focus on migrants crossing the European Union’s eastern border.
Germany has accepted millions of refugees over the past decade, but the ruling coalition government is now under increasing pressure to curb irregular migration. This pressure intensified after a deadly stabbing at a festival in Solingen last month, which was linked to a militant group, sparking criticism of the country’s migration policies from far-right factions.
Stamp highlighted Rwanda as the most suitable destination for illegal migrants, noting that the UK’s facilities in the country remain available. However, unlike the British plan, Germany’s proposal would be overseen by the United Nations to ensure proper supervision.
In a podcast with Table Media, Stamp stated, “We currently have no third country that has come forward, with the exception of Rwanda.” He also noted that Rwanda has expressed its willingness to continue implementing this model.
Additionally, Stamp suggested revising the “connecting element” in the new Common European Asylum System (CEAS). This rule currently mandates that external asylum procedures be conducted in countries where the asylum seeker has a social connection.
In December of the previous year, the European Union reached an agreement on new rules to manage irregular asylum seekers and migrants. While this deal was considered a significant breakthrough after nearly a decade of disputes, it may take until the end of 2025 for the pact to be fully implemented.