Germany is set to intensify its deportation of illegal migrants back to Croatia, following the Dublin III Regulation. The first flights have already begun, raising concerns about the implications for both countries and the migrants involved.
Key Takeaways
- Germany plans to send thousands of illegal migrants back to Croatia under the Dublin III Regulation.
- The first deportation flights have already commenced, with limited success in previous years.
- Croatia’s government is under pressure to manage the influx of deported migrants.
Background on the Dublin III Regulation
The Dublin III Regulation is a European Union law that determines which member state is responsible for processing an asylum application. Typically, this is the country where the asylum seeker first entered the EU. Germany has been utilizing this regulation to return migrants who initially registered in Croatia.
Recent Developments
On November 13, 2024, a charter flight from Munich to Zagreb marked the beginning of this intensified deportation effort. The flight carried 15 individuals from countries such as Syria, Afghanistan, and Turkey, including one person previously convicted for illegal entry into Germany. This move is part of Germany’s broader strategy to manage its migrant population more effectively.
Statistics on Deportations
Despite Germany’s intentions, the actual number of deportations has been significantly lower than planned. In 2023, Germany sent over 16,000 requests to Croatia for the return of migrants, but only 328 were successfully deported. This represents less than two percent of the intended deportations. The situation has not improved much in 2024, with only a fraction of the announced deportations being carried out.
Challenges Faced by Germany
Germany’s efforts to deport migrants have been hampered by various factors:
- Lack of Cooperation: Some EU countries, like Italy, have been reluctant to accept deported individuals, complicating Germany’s plans.
- Legal and Logistical Issues: Many deportations fail due to legal challenges or the inability to locate the individuals.
- Public Sentiment: Growing pressure from right-wing political factions in Germany has led to calls for stricter immigration policies, further complicating the situation.
Croatia’s Response
Croatian officials have expressed concerns about becoming a hotspot for migrants due to these deportations. Gordan Jandrokovic, the Speaker of the Croatian Parliament, dismissed claims that Croatia would face an overwhelming influx of deported migrants, labeling such assertions as politically motivated. However, the Croatian government is under pressure to manage the situation effectively, balancing its obligations under EU law with domestic concerns.
Future Implications
As Germany continues to push for increased deportations, the situation remains fluid. The Croatian government has indicated a willingness to cooperate, but the effectiveness of these measures will depend on various factors, including the response from other EU nations and the overall management of migration flows within the region.
The ongoing developments in this area will be closely monitored, as they have significant implications for both Germany and Croatia, as well as for the migrants caught in this complex web of regulations and policies.
Sources
- Germany Plans to Send Thousands of Illegal Migrants to Croatia – Total Croatia, Total Croatia.
- Only two percent of Dublin deportations from Germany to Croatia took place in 2023 – InfoMigrants, InfoMigrants.
- Jandrokovic: Claims about Croatia becoming a hot spot for migrants malicious – N1, n1info.hr.
- Germany sends asylum seekers back to Croatia – N1, n1info.hr.
