Increase in Afghan refugee applications post ECJ judgement

In August 2024, Germany received a total of 104,012 asylum applications, marking a significant decrease from the previous year. The number of initial applications dropped by 5.9%, with 7,803 applications filed in August, according to recent data.

Afghanistan remained the main country of origin, with 1,968 initial applications in August. This was followed by Syria with 1,370 initial applications. Interestingly, Turkey was the third most common country of origin, with 848 initial applications. No other country exceeded 1,000 initial applications in August.

The most asylum applications this year have been submitted by people from Afghanistan. In the first eight months of 2024, a total of 78,246 initial asylum applications were received. However, the number of follow-up applications in this period was not specified in the available search results.

The European Court of Justice ruled last October that some discriminatory measures against women imposed by the Taliban in Afghanistan constituted persecution. This ruling may have contributed to the 9,139 follow-up applications submitted by Afghan women in the first eight months of 2024.

For individual asylum applications from Afghan women, EU member states only need to consider their nationality and gender. The groups with the most follow-up asylum applications in Germany, excluding Afghans, are not explicitly detailed in the available search results. The sources provide information on asylum trends, key origin countries including Syria, Iraq, Iran, Eritrea, Somalia, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Ukraine, but do not specify the exact non-Afghan groups with the most follow-up applications in this period.

Follow-up applications are made when there is a change in the legal situation, new evidence is presented, or if the situation in the home country has deteriorated. These applications are crucial for individuals seeking asylum, as they allow for a reassessment of their case based on updated information.

As the situation continues to evolve, it is essential to monitor asylum trends and ensure that the rights of those seeking protection are upheld. Germany, as a key player in the European Union, plays a significant role in this process, and its policies and decisions have far-reaching implications for individuals seeking asylum.