Hamburg Increases Deportations as Refugee Housing Remains Strained

Deportations in Hamburg have risen significantly in 2024, while the city's refugee housing system struggles despite a drop in new arrivals.

Hamburg has deported 1,500 individuals in 2024 so far, including over 220 convicted criminals, marking an increase compared to 2023.
Criminal deportees include individuals convicted of serious crimes such as rape, assault, and robbery, with a ban on re-entry and residency applied to all deported individuals.
The number of new asylum seekers arriving in Hamburg has decreased by 28% compared to the previous year, with 13,600 arrivals recorded by November 2024.
Despite the decline in arrivals, Hamburg's refugee housing system remains under heavy pressure, with 47,000 individuals currently in public housing and a 97% occupancy rate.
Challenges persist due to expiring leases and limited private housing availability, though new facilities are planned to partially offset the loss of existing accommodations.