Germany will strengthen its immigration laws and may start processing asylum applicants in third countries outside the European Union, Chancellor Olaf Scholz has announced. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni revealed at the beginning of this week that Rome will build such a facility in Albania.
Emerging from marathon nine-hour talks with regional leaders in the early hours of Tuesday, Chancellor Scholz hailed the agreed measures as a “historic moment.” He called curbing “irregular immigration” a goal of his cabinet. He also pledged that the federal government would support regional authorities in taking in migrants.
Those denied the right to stay in Germany, especially felons and criminals, will be deported to their countries sooner, Scholz said, with Berlin talking to several nations of origin.
According to the chancellor, all judicial processes for the acceptance of asylum will now last no more than six months. To expedite matters, the government will also introduce more digital solutions.
The plan also calls for a reduction in cash payments for registered newcomers and a longer wait before accessing full welfare benefits, increasing from 18 months to 36.
The Chancellor also revealed that his government will examine whether it is possible to process asylum applications in third countries, outside of Europe.
