Germany tightens migration policy: what will change for Ukrainians

Germany has significantly tightened its migration rules, changing asylum, deportation, and naturalization procedures. Find out how the new laws will affect Ukrainians and who is at risk of losing support

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The Bundestag of Germany has approved a package of laws that significantly tightens the country's migration policy. According to Welt, the new rules will affect the procedure for determining “safe countries of origin,” access to public defenders, and the process of obtaining citizenship.

The aim of the changes is to simplify deportations, speed up the processing of asylum cases, and prevent abuse of migration law.

Easier to determine “safe countries”: what this means

The German government has been given the right to determine safe countries of origin independently through its own decrees, without the consent of the Bundesrat. Previously, the Federal Council was the mandatory authority that confirmed such decisions. An exception has been made only for a small group of politically persecuted persons — they will continue to be considered separately.

What this means in practice:

● The BAMF will more quickly reject asylum applications that are considered manifestly unfounded.

● Deportations will become more efficient, as the “safe country” status speeds up the procedure.

● The possibility of obtaining protection will remain, but only if a real risk of persecution can be proven.

Deprivation of the right to a public defender for persons at risk of deportation

One of the most controversial decisions is the abolition of the right to a public defender for people facing deportation or detention prior to expulsion. This rule had only been in effect since last year, but has now been abolished. The positions of the parties:

● Social Democrats: in complex cases, assistance will still be provided, but in general the procedure will be simplified.

● The Bar Association and the Federal Chamber of Lawyers: they view the changes negatively, emphasizing that depriving people of legal support in proceedings related to deprivation of liberty is risky and contrary to the principles of the rule of law.

● The Left Party: considers the reform to be a “second-class refuge.”

● The Greens: argue that the innovations are unconstitutional.

● AfD: on the contrary, demands even more radical restrictions.

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Tightening of naturalization rules: who may lose their chance at citizenship

A separate law has been passed concerning foreigners who apply for German citizenship. Under the new rules:

● Individuals who deliberately conceal information or mislead the authorities will not be able to obtain citizenship for ten years.

● Liability for providing false information during the naturalization process will increase.

● Compliance monitoring will become stricter.

Due to the tightening of migration rules, errors in documents, late applications, or incorrectly submitted data can lead to: denial of status, risk of deportation, loss of citizenship rights for 10 years, and problems with extending your stay. That is why it is important to seek professional legal support.

Visit Ukraine offers consultations with immigration lawyers who can help you understand the new rules, prepare documents, appeal decisions, and avoid critical mistakes.

Lawyers provide support on issues related to temporary protection, employment, citizenship, family reunification, and other migration nuances — this is especially relevant in light of new legislative changes in Germany.

We remind you! Berlin has updated its procedure for accepting Ukrainians, and starting December 1, 2025, initial registration will take place according to new rules. The city is changing the registration process, introducing mandatory registration, and streamlining the distribution of temporary housing. Read more about the new registration procedure and all the steps you now need to take.

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