The Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) has terminated a total of 7,264 asylum procedures during the first half of 2025 due to asylum seekers’ disappearance or failure to participate in the proceedings. This information was released in a response from BAMF to an inquiry by the newspaper “Welt.
A spokesperson for the agency explained to “Welt” that, in all cases of non-prosecution of the asylum procedure, BAMF, in accordance with Section 33, paragraph 1, of the Asylum Act, will either terminate or reject the asylum application following a thorough review. Prior to this action, asylum seekers must be formally notified, in writing and with confirmation of receipt, of the legal consequences of their non-participation.
BAMF suspects non-participation when an individual fails to provide requested information, misses scheduled hearings without justification, disappears – rendering them untraceable by authorities – or violates their obligation to reside at the assigned accommodation. Failure to return from a trip to their country of origin during the process also triggers this designation.
According to the legislation, disappearance is presumed when the asylum seeker is no longer traceable by state authorities, as an “untraceable applicant” violates the obligation of accessibility. However, the agency must have sufficient factual basis to assume disappearance, considering factors like the duration of non-traceability. Following the termination of an asylum procedure, a deportation order and threat of deportation typically follow.
The issue has recently gained prominence with calls, such as those from Brandenburg’s Interior Minister René Wilke, advocating for asylum seekers to forfeit their claims upon disappearance. The Bavarian Interior Ministry, in response to an inquiry, confirmed that current legislation already permits the termination of asylum proceedings for non-participation due to disappearance.
Furthermore, the Ministry highlighted that significant tightening of regulations is anticipated with the implementation of the reform of the Common European Asylum System (CEAS) in June 2026. According to the new asylum procedure regulation, an application for international protection will be deemed implicitly withdrawn in cases of disappearance. Unlike current practice, a possibility of reopening the procedure will no longer be available.