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German report: Appeals could delay the deportation of some Syrian refugees for years
The German newspaper *Bild* published a report examining what it described as legal routes Syrian refugees may pursue after their protection status is revoked, in order to challenge deportation decisions and delay their enforcement.
The report noted that the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) revoking a person’s protection status does not mean they will be deported immediately. Germany’s legal system allows people required to leave the country to appeal decisions and seek temporary legal protection. According to the newspaper, these proceedings could last around 42 months, based on a scenario developed by migration experts.
Under the scenario outlined in the report, the process begins with a period of roughly three months before BAMF issues a revocation decision. Administrative courts then take an average of more than 14 months to consider an appeal nationwide. In Berlin, the report said, the process takes 19.4 months.
A further six months may then pass before the immigration authorities issue the formal measure revoking protection. At that point, the person can file another appeal, along with an urgent application to temporarily suspend enforcement. The report said that ruling on the new case could take about another 14 months, followed by roughly one month before the judgment becomes final.
Once the court proceedings have concluded, preparations to carry out the deportation may take at least two more months, provided no new obstacles arise, such as health-related grounds, problems with travel documents, or an inability to locate the person concerned.
The report estimated the cost of legal proceedings at around €3,450 per case, noting that the state may cover these costs if the refugee cannot afford to pay them. Basic benefits, according to the expert estimates cited in the report, could amount to as much as €23,484 per case. The report said these costs may accumulate over the course of proceedings that, under this scenario, could last three and a half years.
