Number of refugees in Schleswig-Holstein halved: what now?

Number of refugees in Schleswig-Holstein halved: what now?

In the first half of 2025, the number of people seeking protection in Schleswig-Holstein changed drastically. According to information from mopo.de The number of refugees has fallen by half compared to the previous year. While there were around 5,950 people in the first half of 2024 - consisting of 3,350 asylum seekers and 2,600 from Ukraine - the current 3,000 people, including 1,650 asylum seekers and 1,350 refugees from Ukraine, represent a noticeable decline.

The Minister of State for Integration Silke Schiller-Tobies (Greens) sees the change as the result of a revised state policy. The state government has developed a new location concept for the initial accommodation of refugees. By the end of 2027, 5,850 active places are to be made available in initial reception centers, including 1,740 reserve places.

Accommodation and tolerance

Currently, almost 3,800 of the 8,100 available places in the state accommodations are occupied. The plan is to accommodate around 1,000 people at the four locations in Neumünster, Boostedt, Bad Segeberg and Seeth. Around 500 people are expected to find a new home in Kiel and Rendsburg. However, the situation requires further attention, as around 10,000 people who are required to leave the country live in Schleswig-Holstein, of which around 9,100 cannot be deported temporarily due to a toleration status.

Since June 2022, refugees from Ukraine have been better protected by the “Single Payment Act” and are entitled to social benefits according to SGB II and SGB XII. Loud asylum.net They are excluded from the Asylum Seekers Benefits Act and enjoy similar rights to recognized refugees. This not only results in financial relief, but also faster access to medical care and important information about residence rights and educational opportunities.

Current asylum law situation in Germany

The figures on asylum policy in Germany show that we recorded a record level of around 352,000 asylum applications in 2023, which is the highest number since 2016, reports Statista. Syria remains the most important country of origin, followed by other crisis countries. It is interesting that over 51% of asylum decisions led to protection status, while a good 16,400 people were deported in 2023 - a third highest figure since 2019. These dynamics not only shape the individual fates of refugees, but also social perception and the political debate on migration and integration.

At a time when the challenges of migration continue, it remains important to keep an eye on developments and support offers for refugees. They are part of our society and make a significant contribution to our coexistence and our culture.