welt.de
Thousands of Greek Asylum Seekers Re-apply in Germany, Exposing Schengen Loopholes
Approximately 8,000 asylum seekers who had already received refugee status in Greece applied for asylum in Germany between January and May 2024, exploiting a loophole in the Schengen system's border controls, primarily at airports, while the German Federal Police prioritizes land border security.
- How do differing approaches to border control between land and air travel contribute to secondary migration from Greece to Germany?
- The influx of asylum seekers who have already received protection in Greece highlights deficiencies in the Schengen system's border controls, particularly at airports. The German Federal Police focus on land borders, leaving airports largely unchecked, enabling this secondary migration. This contrasts with strict controls at land borders.
- What is the scale of secondary migration from Greece to Germany, and what are the immediate implications for Germany's asylum system?
- In the first five months of 2024, approximately 8,000 asylum seekers who had already been granted refugee status in Greece submitted new asylum applications in Germany. This follows over 26,000 similar applications in 2023. These individuals are exploiting a loophole in Schengen rules allowing 90 days of free movement within six months.
- What are the long-term implications of the ongoing secondary migration from Greece, considering the legal rulings on deportations and the differing views of the German government and humanitarian organizations?
- The German government's inability to effectively manage secondary migration from Greece underscores the challenges of the EU's common asylum system. The lack of airport controls, coupled with Greece's unwillingness to accept returns, creates a pull factor for asylum seekers to bypass the initial asylum process in Greece. This situation will likely persist unless the EU addresses these systemic issues and improves coordination between member states.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The headline (while not provided) would likely emphasize the influx of refugees into Germany from Greece, framing the situation as a problem for Germany to manage. The article's structure prioritizes the concerns of German authorities and the GdP, giving more weight to their perspective than to that of the refugees or the Greek government. The focus is predominantly on the challenges faced by Germany in managing secondary migration, rather than on the reasons why refugees might choose to relocate or the systemic issues within the EU asylum system.
Language Bias
The language used is largely neutral, but there is a tendency to frame secondary migration as a problem rather than a complex phenomenon. Terms like "secondary migration" and "illegal actions" carry a negative connotation. More neutral alternatives might include "subsequent asylum applications" or "relocation of asylum seekers.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the German perspective and the concerns of German authorities regarding secondary migration. It mentions the Greek government's refusal to take back asylum seekers who have subsequently applied in Germany, but doesn't delve deeply into the reasons behind this refusal or present the Greek perspective in detail. The living conditions of refugees in Greece are mentioned only through the perspective of Pro Asyl, a refugee aid organization, without providing counterarguments or alternative viewpoints from Greek authorities or other relevant sources. This omission could leave the reader with a one-sided understanding of the situation and the reasons behind secondary migration.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat false dichotomy by focusing primarily on the conflict between Germany's desire to control secondary migration and the refugees' seeking asylum in Germany. It does not thoroughly explore the complexities of the situation, such as the potential push and pull factors that encourage refugees to move after initial asylum is granted in Greece, or the challenges faced by both Greece and Germany in managing refugee flows. The issue is framed as a simple problem of illegal actions rather than a complex humanitarian and logistical challenge.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights the challenges in managing secondary migration of refugees, exposing gaps in border control and legal frameworks within the EU. The disagreement between Germany and Greece on handling asylum seekers who have already been granted protection in Greece, and the legal battles surrounding it, indicates a lack of effective coordination and enforcement of existing regulations. This undermines the rule of law and international cooperation on refugee protection.