In Germany, much less unaccompanied minors apply for asylum than in previous year. The Federal Association of Unaccompanied minor Refugees (BumF), citing current figures from Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF), was asked from January to August of this year only about 6,900 asylum applications from minors – in Same period 2016, re were still four times as many (more than 28,000 requests). Almost half of all applicants came from Afghanistan or Eritrea, majority being 16 or 17 years old and male.

Since proportion of young people among boat refugees is growing and y usually have to be supported beyond age of 18, association warned against premature capacity reduction. He also needs to give more legal opportunities for travel to and from Europe.

The BumF also criticized fact that recognition rate for young refugees fell from 89 to 80%. The bamf has changed its decision-making practice towards applicants from Afghanistan, Eritrea and Somalia, although actual need for protection remains high. The bamf did not comment on reasons for fall in protection rate. Asylum procedures would be decided "in each individual case and according to individual protection needs," said a spokeswoman.

European Court of Justice strengns refugee rights

Meanwhile, European Court of Justice has strengned right of refugees to swift processing of ir asylum applications in EU. According to so-called Dublin Regulation, first EU country in which a refugee arrives is in principle responsible for application for asylum. However, if latter continues to travel within EU and is not returned to country of first arrival within a period of six months, country will be responsible for its application for protection in which it has been held since n, judges made clear.

The background to decision was case of an Iranian who came to Bulgaria 2015 via Turkey. There he made an application for international protection before he on to Austria, where he also submitted an application. The ECJ ruled that Austria was now responsible for it because six-month deadline for repatriation to country in which he first requested asylum had expired.

Date Of Update: 26 October 2017, 12:03