Overview
- The average processing time for asylum applications in Germany increased to 8.7 months in 2024, the longest since 2017, compared to 6.8 months in 2023.
- Delays are partly due to the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) focusing on clearing older cases with extended waiting periods.
- Certain nationalities, including applicants from Togo, Gambia, and Nigeria, faced the longest delays, with processing times exceeding 20 months on average.
- The number of asylum-related lawsuits in Germany surged by 62% in 2024, reaching over 100,000 cases, as more applicants challenged BAMF decisions in court.
- Efforts to reduce legal backlogs include specialized asylum chambers and AI-assisted tools, but many states still struggle to meet the six-month target set by leaders.