Refugee numbers in Hesse are falling: Giessen reception is severely affected

Refugee numbers in Hesse are falling: Giessen reception is severely affected

The current figures on refugee admissions in Hesse show a remarkable trend: the number of newly arriving refugees is noticeably falling. Loud fr.de A total of 6,229 people are currently accommodated in the initial reception centers in Hesse, including 927 from Ukraine. Just a few years ago the picture seemed to be completely different, when around 80,000 refugees were admitted to Hesse in 2015. For comparison: In July 2025, only 634 asylum seekers were registered - the lowest number in a July in a decade.

1,697 people currently live in Giessen, where one of the central initial reception centers is located. Manfred Becker, head of department in the regional council, emphasizes that Ukrainians are the largest group among the newcomers. While the numbers from other countries are declining, Becker attributes this to stricter border controls. “Repatriations have not brought us any significant relief,” said Becker. Instead, voluntary return trips are being promoted in order to make future legal entries easier.

Distributions and returns

The allocation of refugees follows a structured process. An average of 190 refugees are distributed to the districts every week and 60 are forwarded to other federal states. In addition, around 100 people leave the country voluntarily or are repatriated every month. This happens after refugees have their personal and medical information recorded at arrival centers, which usually takes three to four days.

The first steps of integration are crucial. According to the Integration compass Hesse The obligation to accommodate in a reception facility ends as soon as an allocation to the respective municipality takes place. The Darmstadt regional council is responsible for this. The state reimburses the 26 districts and independent cities a flat rate for the care and accommodation of the refugees.

Challenges in the initial reception

The initial reception in Giessen has some challenges to overcome. There are between 50 and 100 births here every year, and the current situation also brings with it “harder cases,” including rape, reports Becker. Security is ensured by fences, but these do not serve to imprison residents.

The political debate about refugee policy is currently intensifying. Statistical data on asylum applications and decisions can be accessed via the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees, and the Federal Statistical Office provides comprehensive statistics that serve as a basis for discussions. Whether we are talking about people seeking protection, asylum seekers or migrants, the terms often seem to be mixed up - which makes well-founded figures and facts all the more important for the public discussion.

Overall, it remains to be seen how the reception of refugees will develop in the coming months. The declines in the current figures raise questions that need to be clarified. The situation requires flexible handling and an open ear for the challenges of people who are seeking refuge in difficult life situations.