To End the Exploitation of the Asylum System… German Immigration Chief Proposes Radical Changes
Zomer's statement reveals growing concerns within German institutions about the impact of the current asylum system on social cohesion, prompting a push to restructure refugee reception mechanisms
April 1, 2025, 7:38 pm

To End the Exploitation of the Asylum System… German Immigration Chief Proposes Radical Changes

اللاجئين في ألمانيا

Hans-Eckhard Zomer, head of Germany's Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF), called during a speech at the Konrad Adenauer Foundation for the abolition of the current individual right to asylum and its replacement with a structured and monitored humanitarian program. This proposal represents a fundamental shift in Germany’s approach to asylum and migration policies.

In outlining his proposal, Zomer stated, "Refugees should be brought to the country via air travel, which will put an end to human smuggling activities." The proposed mechanism aims to reduce the risks of irregular migration while providing safe routes for those genuinely in need of protection.

Zomer justified his proposal with a clear rationale, declaring: "Our asylum system is absurd; it does not restrict migration but practically encourages its exploitation." This statement reflects growing frustration within German institutions over loopholes in the current system.

He explained that the current system fails both asylum seekers and local residents alike. These remarks come amid an escalating debate in Germany and Europe on how to manage refugee flows while balancing humanitarian commitments with security concerns.

He warned, "Internal security and social cohesion are at risk because of this," highlighting increasing security and social concerns among German policymakers regarding the repercussions of unregulated migration.

Zomer stressed that no protection rights would be granted to those entering Germany illegally, marking a significant shift in Germany’s stance compared to previous policies, which were more open to asylum seekers.

He pointed out that the existing system is unfair and fraught with risks, as it primarily benefits young individuals who can afford the costs of fleeing, while the most vulnerable often remain unable to reach safety. This assessment underscores a key shortcoming of the current system from the perspective of German officials.

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BENEFIT, the Kingdom’s innovator and leading company in Fintech and electronic financial transactions service, has sponsored the BuildHer CityHack 2025 Hackathon, a two-day event spearheaded by the College of Engineering and Technology at the Royal University for Women (RUW).
Aimed at secondary school students, the event brought together a distinguished group of academic professionals and technology experts to mentor and inspire young participants.
More than 100 high school students from across the Kingdom of Bahrain took part in the hackathon, which featured an intensive programme of training workshops and hands-on sessions. These activities were tailored to enhance participants’ critical thinking, collaborative problem-solving, and team-building capabilities, while also encouraging the development of practical and sustainable solutions to contemporary challenges using modern technological tools.
BENEFIT’s Chief Executive Mr. Abdulwahed AlJanahi, commented: “Our support for this educational hackathon reflects our long-term strategic vision to nurture the talents of emerging national youth and empower the next generation of accomplished female leaders in technology. By fostering creativity and innovation, we aim to contribute meaningfully to Bahrain’s comprehensive development goals and align with the aspirations outlined in the Kingdom’s Vision 2030—an ambition in which BENEFIT plays a central role.”
Professor Riyadh Yousif Hamzah, President of the Royal University for Women, commented: “This initiative reflects our commitment to advancing women in STEM fields. We're cultivating a generation of creative, solution-driven female leaders who will drive national development. Our partnership with BENEFIT exemplifies the powerful synergy between academia and private sector in supporting educational innovation.”
Hanan Abdulla Hasan, Senior Manager, PR & Communication at BENEFIT, said: “We are honoured to collaborate with RUW in supporting this remarkable technology-focused event. It highlights our commitment to social responsibility, and our ongoing efforts to enhance the digital and innovation capabilities of young Bahraini women and foster their ability to harness technological tools in the service of a smarter, more sustainable future.”
For his part, Dr. Humam ElAgha, Acting Dean of the College of Engineering and Technology at the University, said: “BuildHer CityHack 2025 embodies our hands-on approach to education. By tackling real-world problems through creative thinking and sustainable solutions, we're preparing women to thrive in the knowledge economy – a cornerstone of the University's vision.”