Germany's ruling coalition has announced a “security package” following the attack in the North Rhine-Westphalia city of Solingen, in which three people were killed. The debate over illegal immigrants has heated up following Friday's (23 August) knife attack. The announced changes to the regulations will concern, among other things, social benefits.
Germany cuts benefits. Government to tighten migration policy after Solingen attack
Most of the announced legislative moves concern the so-called Dublin migrants. According to the convention concluded in the capital of Ireland, asylum applications are considered in the first EU country where the migrant appears. For the Solingen attacker, it was Bulgaria, which is where he was supposed to be sent from Germany. However, the Syrian hid for several months and successfully avoided deportation.
The first of the changes means that immigrants waiting to be sent back will have their social benefits cut or deprived of them. A person granted asylum will lose their protection status if they visit their home country, because such a visit contradicts the very purpose of asylum. Juvenile offenders will also be eligible for sent back.
A ban on carrying knives in places of assembly and on public transport will be introduced, and stricter rules will be introduced for firearms permits. In turn, police will use stun guns more often and will be able to conduct random searches.
Germany wants to tighten migration policy. “As quickly as possible”
All changes will only be included in the current laws. The first meeting of the group of representatives of the coalition and the opposition will take place next week. German Justice Minister Marco Buschmann said on Thursday during a press conference that the new regulations are to be adopted “as quickly as possible”. Meanwhile, as the portal notes Politicothe justice and interior ministries must prepare draft laws, which must then be adopted by the government and put to a vote in both houses of parliament. The process can take several months.