Germany’s coalition government, in a strategic maneuver to address the influx of asylum applications, has officially categorized Georgia and Moldova as safe countries of origin. This move comes as part of a broader effort to curtail the number of applications from these nations that typically face rejection. The cabinet’s decision, proposed by Interior Minister Nancy Faeser and passed during a two-day retreat at Schloss Meseberg near Berlin, holds the potential to expedite asylum processing and hasten deportations for those whose applications are denied.
The step is grounded in statistics: the overwhelming majority of applications from both Georgia and Moldova, amounting to 99.9%, were turned down in the preceding year and the initial half of the current one. Together, these countries contributed to over ten percent of all rejected applications. Last year alone, a total of 8,865 Georgians and 5,218 Moldovans sought asylum in Germany. The classification of safe countries of origin signifies regions where there exists a general absence of state-led persecution, and where the government ensures the protection of its citizens.
However, this decision has garnered its share of critics. Advocacy group Pro Asyl has raised concerns over Russia’s occupation of disputed territories in both Georgia and Moldova, casting doubts on the true security situation. Furthermore, the organization has pointed out lapses in the rule of law and human rights issues in Georgia, as well as the challenges to press freedom in Moldova. In addition, Pro Asyl has highlighted issues regarding LGBTIQ+ rights in Georgia, despite recent legislative efforts against discrimination and hate crimes. Activists assert that these measures are not adequately enforced, leaving the LGBTQ+ community vulnerable to discrimination and homophobia in the traditionally conservative South Caucasus nation.
Germany’s current administration, led by Chancellor Olaf Scholz, aims to simplify the path to German citizenship for skilled migrants in a bid to address labor shortages. Nonetheless, migration remains a contentious topic, contributing to the ascent of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. With the AfD polling higher than many mainstream parties and poised for gains in upcoming state elections, the ongoing discourse surrounding immigration and asylum policies continues to shape the nation’s political landscape.
