As of February 27, 2024, a new package of laws, officially titled “Law on Improving Deportation Procedures” (Rückführungsverbesserungsgesetz), has come into force in Germany. This news has predictably caused a wave of discussion and concern among foreigners. Let’s calmly and without panic understand what has actually changed, who it will affect, and most importantly, what it means for Ukrainians in Germany under temporary protection.
The Essence of the Law: Tightening the Screws for the Chosen Few
First and foremost, it’s crucial to understand the main goal of this law. It is not directed against all foreigners, but at specific groups:
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Individuals whose asylum applications have been rejected but who continue to reside in the country.
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Migrants who violate the law.
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Foreign citizens who have committed criminal offenses.
Simply put, the German government aims to make the expulsion process for those who do not have legal grounds for staying in the country faster and more inevitable.
Key Changes:
- Increased detention period before deportation from 10 to 28 days. This gives authorities more time to process documents and organize the flight, reducing the chances of deportation being thwarted for technical reasons.
- Expanded police powers. Law enforcement officers can now enter residential premises in refugee centers (but not private apartments) to search for and detain individuals subject to deportation.
- Stricter measures against abuse. Filing repeated and obviously unfounded asylum applications will no longer so easily delay deportation.
Analysis: Should Ukrainians with §24 Worry?
Now for the most important question. The answer is no, this law does not directly concern holders of temporary protection status (§24 AufenthG). Your status is regulated by a separate European directive, and you do not fall into the categories targeted by these stricter measures.
However, one must look at the situation more deeply. This law is not an accident but part of a larger political trend.
• Why did it appear? Chancellor Scholz’s government is under strong pressure due to the record number of asylum seekers from various countries worldwide. To maintain social stability and voter support, authorities are forced to show that they are controlling migration and combating illegal immigrants.
• What to expect next? This law is just the first step. Later this year, we will witness the widespread introduction of payment cards (Bezahlkarte) for refugees, which will limit cash withdrawals. This is intended to reduce Germany’s attractiveness for those who come here solely for social benefits. Migration policy is becoming more pragmatic and stringent.
For Ukrainians, this means one thing: the era of maximum loyalty and “open doors for all” is gradually coming to an end. Although support for Ukraine remains high, the attitude towards migrants in general is becoming more demanding. Any violation of the law, even a minor one, will now be scrutinized by the authorities.
Practical Advice: How to Avoid Trouble
In the current circumstances, the best strategy is impeccable adherence to laws and active integration. We have prepared a simple table to help you navigate.
| What to Do (Do’s) | What Not to Do (Don’ts) |
|---|---|
| Renew documents on time and monitor their expiry dates. | Ignore letters from official agencies (Jobcenter, Ausländerbehörde). |
| Strictly adhere to all German laws, including traffic regulations and waste sorting rules. | Be absent from Germany for more than 6 months without coordination with the immigration service. |
| Actively learn German – it’s the key to integration and employment. | Get involved in any conflicts with the law, even minor administrative offenses. |
| Seek employment at the first opportunity and strive for financial independence. | Provide false information to authorities about yourself or your circumstances. |
In conclusion, the “Law on Improving Deportation” should not cause panic among law-abiding Ukrainians under temporary protection. However, it serves as a clear signal: Germany is becoming more demanding of foreigners. Your safety and stable future here directly depend on your willingness to live by the rules, learn the language, and integrate into society.