Germany saw an annual increase in the total number of asylum applications from 2010 onwards, with figures highest in 2016. This can be traced back to an influx of migrant arrivals to the country during 2015 to 2016. War violence in countries such as Syria and Afghanistan, to give just two examples, led both individuals and families to flee their homes in search of safety in Europe. Precisely on the way to desired protection and security, migrants often faced dangerous and physically demanding travel routes, especially if they trusted smugglers.
Currently the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia has the most first-time asylum applications, followed by Bavaria and Lower Saxony. Decisions regarding asylum applications in Germany are regulated by the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (Bundesamt für Migration und Flüchtlinge or BAMF). These decisions include granting legal status as a refugee, subsidiary protection and rejection. As of 2022, most of those applying for asylum in Germany were from Syria, Afghanistan and Iraq.
While the number of refugees arriving in Germany may change depending on developments both in their home countries and German, as well as European, asylum procedures, the situation is a long-term one and requires budget planning from the government for several years ahead. This has already been put in place, with expenditure including various aspects. Among them, ongoing financing for constantly necessary admission and registration procedures, as well as support for German states and municipalities accommodating refugees.
