Story perspectives

Asylum Applications Plummet in Germany Amid Stricter Policies

1/4/2026

24 4

Summary

Story summary

In 2025, Germany's first-time asylum applications fell to 113,236, less than half the prior year.
The Interior Ministry attributed the decline to stricter migration policies by the conservative-led government, including border checks and deportations that rose 20%.
Chancellor Friederich Merz said the government is also exploring new legal migration avenues.
Migration experts noted that factors beyond policy, such as changing European trends, contributed to the decline.

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Story summary

In 2025, Germany's first-time asylum applications fell to 113,236, less than half the prior year.
The Interior Ministry attributed the decline to stricter migration policies by the conservative-led government, including border checks and deportations that rose 20%.
Chancellor Friederich Merz said the government is also exploring new legal migration avenues.
Migration experts noted that factors beyond policy, such as changing European trends, contributed to the decline.