Germany plans a major change in asylum policy: stopping payments in exchange for independent advice on asylum.
Germany’s government is considering ending financial support for independent counseling services that advise asylum seekers, a move expected to take effect in 2027 and already drawing strong criticism from welfare organizations and refugee advocacy groups.
According to reports from the investigative network Correctiv and the RedaktionsNetzwerk Deutschland (RND), organizations providing asylum counseling have been informed that federal funding for these services could be discontinued. The programs are currently run by several major welfare organizations that receive financial support from the federal government.
The Interior Ministry, led by Alexander Dobrindt, did not officially confirm the planned cuts but said decisions about funding would be made during upcoming federal budget negotiations. Discussions on the 2027 budget have not yet been finalized.
Leon Eckert confirmed the reports and said the Interior Ministry is citing financial pressures as the main reason for the potential cuts. He criticized the plan, accusing Alexander Dobrindt of continuing what he called a reckless approach to migration policy and humanitarian support.
The independent asylum procedure counseling program was introduced on January 1, 2023 by Germany’s former Ampelkoalition (traffic light coalition) government. The Bundesamt für Migration und Flüchtlinge (Federal Office for Migration and Refugees) has reportedly completed an evaluation of the program, but the Interior Ministry has not released the findings publicly.
Currently, about €25 million in federal funding is still allocated to support counseling organizations this year. These groups provide guidance to asylum seekers navigating Germany’s complex legal procedures during the asylum application process.
Michael Groß warned that eliminating independent counseling would be a serious political mistake. He argued that civil society organizations play a crucial role in supporting refugees and protecting the rule of law during asylum procedures.
Karl Kopp also stressed that independent legal advice is essential in asylum cases. He said the process is often extremely complex and can determine the future of those seeking protection, making it vital that asylum seekers receive reliable support from organizations that operate independently from the authorities deciding their applications.