Germany Hits Record 3.5 Million Asylum Seekers: Highest Since the 1950s

Germany is now home to a record-breaking 3.5 million asylum seekers, the highest number since the 1950s. According to the Central Register of Foreigners, around 3.48 million refugees were living in Germany at the end of the first half of 2024, as reported by the Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung (NOZ) on Friday.

According to NOZ, the 3.48 million figure includes all people seeking protection in Germany for humanitarian reasons, regardless of their residence status. This group includes asylum seekers, recognized refugees, and individuals with a tolerated status, such as those whose deportation has been suspended.

▶︎ Around 1.18 million of the refugees come from Ukraine, with large numbers also arriving from Syria and Afghanistan.
▶︎ The total number has risen by around 60,000 compared to the end of 2023, reaching levels not seen since the 1950s.

This data was revealed in response to a minor inquiry in the Bundestag by the Left, as reported by NOZ, who had access to the federal government’s documents.

As of mid-2024, the statistics recorded 226,882 individuals required to leave the country—a decrease of 15,760 from the end of 2023. Notably, four out of five (80.5 percent) of these individuals are currently tolerated and cannot be deported, often due to ongoing situations in their countries of origin.

Source: Bild