Payment card for refugees not yet in use everywhere
The nationwide payment card for refugees should be introduced in Saxony from mid-January. How far has the project progressed?
News about #Migration
Refugee Council launches campaign for the interests of asylum seekers
The Saxon Refugee Council believes that the basic rights of people seeking asylum in Germany are under threat. The organization is asking for donations in order to expand its own work.
Saxony speeds up asylum procedures
The large number of asylum procedures is also putting a strain on the administrative courts in Saxony. An "asylum summit" was held in March to discuss how to ease the burden on the courts. The first results are now available.
Criticism of new police unit near the border
The CDU wanted to install its own border police force in Saxony. The project was canceled due to a lack of funds. Now another variant is to provide relief. But this has also met with criticism.
Saxony sets up new "border search group"
During the 2024 election campaign, the Saxony CDU promised its own border police force based on the Bavarian model. It cannot be set up due to a lack of funds. Nevertheless, the search pressure is to increase.
Rich people in favor of rapid citizen's income reform
Should Ukrainians living in Germany be deprived of their citizens' allowance? The Federal Minister of Economics gives a more fundamental answer to this question.
Refugee Council: Activist has been on hunger strike for 41 days
According to the Refugee Council, a Kurdish writer is being held in custody pending deportation in Dresden. This is his condition.
Report: Poland plans to extend border controls
Since the beginning of July, Poland's border guards have been carrying out checks at the common border with Germany. According to a report, the government in Warsaw now wants to maintain the controls until the fall.
Refugee Council criticizes deportations to Turkey
How dangerous is it for Kurdish refugees to return to Turkey? For the Saxon Refugee Council, the situation is clear.
Yazidi family deported - urgent application ran in parallel
As the deportation flight of a Yazidi family to Iraq is being prepared, an urgent appeal against the threat of deportation arrives. It is successful, but the family was required to leave the country.
After failed deportation: Schuster wants tougher rules
Three Afghans were due to be deported - but they disappeared shortly before the flight. Two remain unaccounted for. Saxony's interior minister speaks of a system error and calls for consequences.
Possible deportation flight to Iraq imminent
Just a few days ago, criminals were deported to Afghanistan. Now another possible deportation flight is about to take place at Leipzig Airport. The destination this time: Iraq.
More deportations and departures than in the previous year
Almost 250 people were deported from Saxony in the second quarter. Even more foreigners returned to their countries of origin voluntarily.
Initial reception facilities not even half full
For a while, newly arriving refugees in Saxony were housed in temporary accommodation. In the meantime, the situation has eased considerably.
Initial reception facilities not even half full
For a while, newly arriving refugees in Saxony were housed in temporary accommodation. In the meantime, the situation has eased considerably.
Dobrindt: Serious and most serious offenders on deportation flight
Interior Minister Dobrindt sends 81 Afghans who are required to leave the country on the first deportation flight of his term of office to their country of origin. This time, too, it was not possible without the support of Qatar.
Dobrindt sends first deportation flight to Afghanistan
Germany is deporting Afghan nationals to their country of origin for the second time since the Taliban took power in August 2021. As confirmed by a spokeswoman for Alexander Dobrindt's (CSU) Federal Ministry of the Interior, a plane is taking off from Leipzig airport this morning with 81 people on b ..
Teachers' association: Migration quota at elementary school not a solution
Education Minister Karin Prien (CDU) has brought a migration quota at elementary school into play. From the point of view of the Saxony Philologists' Association, however, the problem lies elsewhere.
Poland denies 24 people entry from Germany
Germany and Poland are once again carrying out border controls, affecting tens of thousands of travelers. Warsaw's assessment after one week: two dozen people were not allowed to enter the country.
Poland envoy: Supporting the protection of the EU's external borders
Poland has been carrying out checks at the border with Germany since Monday - there are already checks on the German side. The German government's commissioner for Poland wants practicable solutions and more openness.
Police union calls border controls disproportionate
For the Federal Police, the intensive checks at the borders are a tour de force. And the results are rather poor. Things cannot go on like this, says the GdP trade union.
Dobrindt takes a positive view of Polish border controls
In response to German border controls, Poland is now also carrying out checks. Commuters fear delays and traffic jams. Federal Interior Minister Dobrindt, on the other hand, praises the neighbor's approach.
Poland rejects joint border controls with Germany
The Federal Police and Poland's Border Guard carry out checks at the border. Federal Interior Minister Dobrindt has proposed joint controls. His Polish colleague explains why he doesn't think so.
Poland's vigilantes want to continue patrolling the border
The right-wing extremists organize unauthorized patrols to search for migrants in the border area. They want to continue doing this even after the introduction of official border controls.
Federal Police: No problems with the start of border controls
Poland has been carrying out checks at the border with Germany since midnight. How does this affect traffic?
ADAC on border controls: Stress test at the start of the vacations
Poland wants to protect its border against irregular migration and has been controlling traffic from Germany and Lithuania since midnight. The ADAC expects problems for summer travelers.
Border with Poland - controls now on both sides
The Polish controls at 52 border crossings are aimed at smugglers who bring migrants into the country illegally. Trucks tend not to be stopped.
Poland begins checks at border with Germany
The temporary checks at 52 border crossings are aimed at smugglers who bring migrants into the country illegally. Minibuses and cars with many passengers are the main focus.
Poland's border controls with Germany begin
From Monday, Poland wants to carry out random checks on people entering the country at the border with Germany. Minibuses and cars with many occupants will be the main focus of the border guards.
Poland starts border controls - and now?
There are no more barriers and border posts in the Schengen area - actually. But Germany has been controlling the eastern borders for two years. Now Poland is reacting. What are the consequences?
Woidke in favor of joint controls by Germany and Poland
From Monday, Poland wants to introduce its own controls at the border with Germany - they already exist on the German side. Brandenburg's head of government Woidke is in favor of more cooperation between the two countries.
Border controls: Federal government wants to limit traffic obstructions
Traffic jams are imminent with the start of the Polish border controls. There are already traffic jams on the Polish side due to the controls in Germany. The federal government is responding to a request from Brandenburg.
Poland expects delays due to border controls
The German controls at the border with Poland have caused trouble in the neighboring country. On Monday, checks will also be carried out in the other direction - with consequences for drivers.
Concern in Saxony about Polish border controls
Saxony's Economics Minister considers Poland's planned border controls to be a burden - for companies and commuters alike. Around 13,000 Poles come to work in the Free State every day.
Poland: controls at border with Germany until September 5
From Monday, Poland intends to introduce controls at its common border with Germany. An order from the Ministry of the Interior in Warsaw provides information on how long they will be in place.
Poland wants to take action against border patrols by vigilantes
Polish ultra-right-wingers are organizing unauthorized controls at the border with Germany. The vigilante groups want to intercept migrants there. The government in Warsaw reacts harshly.
Poland: Checks at the border with Germany from Monday
Polish border guards are to check travelers at Poland's western border in future. The government in Warsaw is thus reacting to border controls on the German side.
Poland introduces controls at border with Germany
Poland wants to introduce temporary controls at the border with Germany. A corresponding order will come into force next Monday, said Prime Minister Donald Tusk after a cabinet meeting in Warsaw.Copyright 2025, dpa (www.dpa.de). All rights reserved
Fewer asylum seekers by the end of March than in the same period last year
Saxony has taken in more and more asylum seekers in recent years. Their number halved with the tightened border controls in 2024. Deportations and voluntary departures increased.
Twice as many naturalizations in Saxony in 2024
Changes to citizenship law have been in force since mid-2024. This means that people can become German after just three years of residence - naturalization figures are rising.
Saxony has state exit center - goal of more returns
Saxony wants to force the return of rejected asylum seekers to their home country by means of a state departure center. There are strict rules there - and intensive advice on voluntary departure.
Dobrindt seeks solidarity on migration issues in Poland
The new German migration policy has also been met with criticism in Poland. At a meeting in Warsaw, the interior ministers of both countries struck a conciliatory tone.
Dresden closes several temporary asylum shelters
Refugee numbers are falling nationwide. At the end of the year, Dresden takes the last containers for asylum seekers out of service. Leipzig sets up a new shared accommodation facility.
International medical practice in Dresden closes
With the influx of refugees, international medical practices have been set up in Dresden and Chemnitz. What is the future of this special service?
Number of asylum seekers in Saxony halved in 2024
Saxony's Commissioner for Foreigners has presented his annual report. It shows a significant decline in the number of refugees.
Dobrindt defends stricter border controls in Prague
For more than three weeks, more police officers have been deployed at the German borders. In the neighboring Czech Republic, this is only partially met with understanding. But they want to stay in contact.
Schuster sees turnaround in migration policy
Saxony's Interior Minister Schuster had long called for border controls in order to curb irregular migration. He believes that a new decision by the federal government also fulfills his demands.
OVG must deal with deportation of Moroccan again
A Moroccan is deported despite a court order to the contrary. The Federal Constitutional Court has now dealt with the case and made a decision.
Integration fair in Leipzig: Opportunities for immigrants
On May 22, the Leipzig Integration Fair offers comprehensive information on work and training opportunities for immigrants.
Police arrest seven suspected smugglers
Federal police officers stop a driver at the Austrian border. His documents seem suspicious to them. They use the man's cell phones to track down a criminal network.
32 suicide attempts and three suicides by refugees in Saxony
People who want to take their own lives are often in a desperate situation. This also applies to refugees who see no way out for themselves.
Federal police in Saxony extend border controls
The new federal government has announced increased controls at the external borders. Additional federal police officers are now on duty at the borders in Saxony.
Saxony's interior minister welcomes more intensive border controls
Before the election, the CDU/CSU announced that it would rely on more border controls and refoulement to curb illegal migration. Saxony's Interior Minister welcomes this.
More voluntary departures by asylum seekers
Slightly fewer rejected asylum seekers were deported from Saxony in the first quarter. However, there were significantly more who left the country voluntarily.
Welcome to school" information brochure in ten languages
A new brochure in ten languages helps parents of migrant children to enter the German school system and provides important information.
Investigations against several Afghans who have entered the country
They are hand-picked by German security authorities. Nevertheless, several Afghans who entered the country via admission programs are now under investigation. What has happened?
Plane lands - Germany takes in more Afghans
The promised admissions of Afghans are continuing. Another plane has landed in Leipzig. The procedure is controversial.
Afghans with admission approval on their way to Germany
The promised admissions of Afghans are continuing. Another plane is on its way to Germany. Criticism comes from the CDU/CSU in advance.
German government: two-year admission pledge for Afghans
Around 2,600 people who have been approved for admission are still waiting to enter Germany. What will happen to them after the upcoming change of government?
Saxony's interior minister outraged by footage from Afghanistan
In the weeks leading up to the expected election of Friedrich Merz (CDU) as Chancellor, a number of people from Afghanistan are to be admitted. Not everyone is happy about this.
Naturalization in Saxony often takes several years
Naturalization procedures are stalling in Saxony's major cities. What this means for applicants - and why there are no quick solutions in sight.
Shared accommodation may be built in Leipzig
Accommodation for 250 refugees is to be built in an industrial estate in Messestadt. Residents wanted to prevent this - now the court has ruled.
Greens complain that naturalization procedures in Leipzig take too long
Germany is dependent on scientists and skilled workers from abroad. Naturalization is a motivation for many. However, the relevant authorities often take a long time.
Saxon Departure Center opens in Dresden in June
In future, rejected asylum seekers will no longer be distributed to the municipalities in the Free State, but will be housed centrally until they leave the country.
Leipzig receives 125 million euros for social projects
Rising population, growing pressure: Leipzig receives a direct loan from the Council of Europe Bank for the first time. Among other things, the loan will be used to expand schools and accommodation for those in need.
30 people deported to Georgia
People have once again been deported from Leipzig Airport. Among them were several criminals.
More judges and AI to speed up asylum procedures
Complaints from rejected asylum seekers are piling up at the administrative courts. The number of new cases is soaring. This has consequences for the length of proceedings and the justice system. Quick help is now needed.
Election of the Migrant Advisory Council: Participation for 90,000 eligible voters
Leipzig promotes political participation through the election of the Migrant Advisory Council. Around 90,000 eligible voters can take part.
Refugees in Saxony worried after federal election
Refugees fear more isolation, a tougher migration policy and cuts in social services after the federal elections. The situation is becoming increasingly serious, they say.
Saxony wants to accelerate the integration of foreign pupils
The inclusion of children from migrant families in everyday school life is a challenge. Preparatory classes are intended to make this easier. Saxony wants to step up the pace.
Schuster wants another step after border controls
Germany extended border controls in September 2024. The much-discussed measure is working, says the Interior Minister - and orders an extension.
Kretschmer rules out return to Berlin
Two ministerial posts in the outgoing federal government are occupied by East Germans. With a view to the future cabinet, there are clear demands from Saxony.
Kretschmer: The AfD's biggest enemy is the CDU
Saxony's Minister President Kretschmer clearly backs Union Chancellor candidate Friedrich Merz in the migration debate. Attitude is not a substitute for action.
Rising demand for migration advice in Saxony
Rising case numbers are pushing the staff at Diakonie Sachsen to their limits when it comes to migration counseling. Added to this are financial difficulties.
Renewed criticism of deportation - authorities defend procedure
Did the Saxon authorities act inhumanely when deporting a Georgian family? The accounts of the Refugee Council and the State Directorate differ.
Merz calls on SPD to give in on migration policy
Union chancellor candidate Friedrich Merz wants to make the AfD superfluous. He also believes that his own party is partly to blame for its rise.
Asylum policy: CDU and SPD at loggerheads in Saxony
Reactions to the CDU's plans for a tougher migration policy are fierce. The CDU/CSU in Saxony takes offense at a post by its coalition partner, the SPD.
Demonstrations against Union plans on migration
The protest follows hot on the heels. In a vote on migration policy, the AfD becomes a majority procurer for the CDU/CSU in the Bundestag for the first time. The streets of the country are filled with discontent.
Köpping calls for objectivity in the asylum debate
The CDU/CSU's push for the consistent rejection of certain asylum seekers is causing debate. SPD politician Petra Köpping calls for prudence.
Saxony deploys labor market mentors for refugees
Mentors help refugees who are looking for work. The program has been running since 2016 and is now being continued with a special focus.
Police register significantly fewer unauthorized entries
The federal police have been carrying out checks at Saxony's borders with Poland and the Czech Republic since October 2023. Since then, significantly fewer people have entered the country without valid papers.
Heimatunion sees CDU freed from "hostage-taking"
Union chancellor candidate Merz is sticking to proposals for a tougher migration policy despite criticism, even if the AfD agrees. In Saxony, he has the support of the CDU/CSU.
Hardship commission allows 77 people to stay
The Hardship Commission is often the last hope for foreigners facing deportation. It can apply for a residence permit for urgent humanitarian or personal reasons.
More deportations from Saxony
In the previous year, 936 people were deported from Saxony - a third of whom were convicted criminals. Meanwhile, plans for a departure center are progressing.
Waldheim to receive permanent asylum accommodation
Three large asylum shelters in each of the three regions of Chemnitz, Leipzig and Dresden - that is the strategy of the Free State of Saxony. One of the facilities is to be located in Waldheim.
Refugee Council criticizes deportations to Venezuela
The Saxon Refugee Council repeatedly draws attention to cases in which asylum seekers are deported despite difficult personal circumstances. The criticism continues.
Significantly fewer asylum applications in Saxony than in previous years
Significantly fewer asylum applications were submitted in Saxony in 2024 than in the previous year. A trend that is reflected throughout Germany.
Saxony's initial reception facilities only half full
At times, newly arriving refugees in Saxony were housed in tents. The situation in the initial reception facilities is now much more relaxed.
Saxony wants to gradually expand departure center
Deportations of rejected asylum seekers often fail because the people concerned cannot be found. Saxony wants to counter this with an exit center.
Kretschmer accuses federal government of inaction on migration
The CDU and CSU want to reduce migration and turn back refugees at the borders if they enter from an EU country, for example. The CDU/CSU in Saxony is also backing this.
Schuster calls for opening up the return program for Syrians
Following the change of power in Syria, many refugees may want to return to their home country. Saxony would like to expand its support for returnees.
Number of new asylum seekers in Saxony falls sharply
The controls at the borders with the Czech Republic and Poland appear to be having an effect. Although the international conflicts are not decreasing, the number of refugees arriving in Saxony is falling.
Schuster: Departure center should increase deportation rate
The CDU and SPD have agreed to test a deportation center. The Minister of the Interior wants to use this to increase the success rate of deportations.
Initiatives exchange vouchers for money for asylum seekers
Since April, asylum seekers have been given a payment card instead of cash. The Refugee Council criticizes this measure. Initiatives are now offering the exchange for cash
Hundreds of refugees left the country with financial aid
Support programs are intended to encourage refugees without the right to stay to return to their home country. The number of returnees in Saxony has risen recently.
Association of migrant organizations founded in Saxony
The umbrella association of Saxon migrant organizations (DSM) files for insolvency following criticism from the state court of auditors. A new association has now been founded to continue the work for migrants.
Eastern countries want more skilled workers from abroad
The shortage of skilled workers is affecting the eastern German states. The federal government should provide solutions. What are the heads of government from the east demanding?
Heads of government of the eastern German states discuss securing skilled workers
The heads of government of the eastern German states are meeting in Berlin. What is on the agenda?
Upward trend in asylum procedures in Saxony continues
Refugees can take legal action against a rejection of their asylum application. The files are piling up at the administrative courts - and the proceedings are taking longer again.
Unauthorized entries on the decline - the result of new controls?
Stationary border controls have been in place at all German land borders since mid-September. The number of unauthorized entries is falling. However, this also has to do with another aspect.