Sharp Decline in Asylum Applications in Germany During the First Half of 2025

The Federal Office for Migration and Asylum in Germany revealed a significant decrease in the number of asylum applications submitted during the first half of the current year, with new applications totaling 61,336, representing a 50% decrease compared to the same period last year.

Observers attributed this decline to the tightening of border measures between Germany and neighboring European countries, in addition to the new policies adopted by Balkan countries to curb irregular migration. Strengthening inspections at land border crossings also contributed to reducing the flow of asylum seekers.

In a notable shift, Syria no longer tops the list of refugee-sending countries to Germany, with Afghanistan leading the list with 15,181 applications, while Syria came in second with 15,127 applications. This Syrian decline is striking as it has been the main source of refugees to Germany for years.

This decrease is linked to the changing situation in Syria after the overthrow of former President Bashar al-Assad in December 2024, leading to an improved security outlook there. Neighboring countries have also witnessed the return of tens of thousands of Syrian refugees, with Turkey announcing the return of 273,000 refugees, while Jordan has repatriated 97,000 refugees since the fall of the Syrian regime.