Transfers Under Dublin Rules Often Fail

According to the Dublin procedure, refugees who enter Germany but are already registered in another EU country can be transferred back to that country. However, such transfers often fail, and one of the reasons for this is the reluctance of other member states.

Challenges in Transferring Refugees

A recent report highlights the frequent obstacles faced in transferring refugees to other EU countries under the “Dublin procedure.” The German government, in response to a query from a Left Party parliamentarian, revealed that until August, 24,192 timely transfers had failed. The responsibility for the failure of these transfers varied across member states, executing foreign authorities, individuals going “underground,” organizational issues, and issues with identifying the location of individuals.

Issues with the Dublin Procedure

Under the Dublin procedure, the first EU country where a refugee arrives is responsible for processing their asylum application. This is done to establish accountability, prevent multiple applications, and maintain a database of fingerprints in the Eurodac system. However, doubts about the effectiveness of this system have persisted, particularly because some EU countries allow refugees to continue their journey without proper registration.

Unregistered Migration Rates

Contrary to previous assumptions, the number of asylum seekers entering Germany unregistered through other EU countries is likely lower. Out of the 217,774 initial asylum applications received in Germany last year, only 49,834 (approximately 23 percent) had matches in the Eurodac system. It is important to note that not all individuals are expected to have matches in Eurodac, such as children born in Germany or those with visas or visa-free travel.

The Dublin procedure and its effectiveness in facilitating refugee transfers continue to be a topic of debate. The challenges faced, including the reluctance of member states, highlight the need for further reform and improvements in managing refugee flows within the EU.