Justice Minister Warns of Legal Quagmire in Asylum Rejections

Justice Minister Warns of Legal Quagmire in Asylum Rejections

German Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig expressed skepticism over the rejection of asylum seekers at the borders, following the ruling of the Berlin Administrative Court. While the court did not conclusively determine whether the rejection of asylum seekers at the borders is in line with European law, Hubig stated that it will not be an easy task to convince the judiciary that such rejections are lawful, as the final word rests with the European Court of Justice.

In a state of the rule of law like Germany, the government, too, must adhere to court decisions, Hubig emphasized. She stressed that the provisional decisions of the Berlin Administrative Court must be followed and that the applicants in Germany will be granted a procedure in accordance with the Dublin Regulations.

The minister also called for all measures to limit irregular migration to be in line with European law and the constitution and she highlighted the importance of a better protection of the EU’s external borders. The new Common European Asylum System, which has been agreed upon, provides for additional measures in this regard and the government’s task is to implement it swiftly.