Hamburg extends the use of refugee accommodation until 2027!

Hamburg extends the use of refugee accommodation until 2027!

The city of Hamburg is once again faced with the challenge of using its numerous refugee accommodations for longer than originally planned. A recent report from NDR shows that around 30 accommodations will be extended until at least 2027. The large locations in the northern district are particularly affected, including the accommodation on Wiesendamm with almost 400 places.

In the last six months, the contracts with five hotels in the northern district were also extended. This is a response to the increasing number of refugees urgently seeking protection since the Ukraine war. According to the social authorities in Hamburg, interim locations, such as short-term rented hotels, are increasingly being used for accommodation, as the regular capacities are far from sufficient to cover demand. Maps and overviews have even been created showing the existing and planned accommodation in the individual districts hamburg.de reported.

The occupancy situation remains tight

Even though many accommodations are still at full capacity, there are over 800 places available in the initial reception accommodations. This could indicate the difficulties the city has in accommodating and integrating refugees. A look at last year's figures shows that of the 16,188 registered asylum and protection seekers, 12,639 stayed in Hamburg, while the rest were distributed to other federal states. In 2023 there were 26.4 percent fewer refugees than in the previous year, reports MOPO.

The occupancy rate of the accommodation reaches a critical point at 96.5 percent. In the regular accommodation and initial reception facilities, the occupancy rate is 134.5 percent. This shows how urgent the situation in the city is. Although Hamburg has made greater efforts to integrate and care for refugees since 2015, the challenge remains great.

Criticism and demands

The left-wing faction has already expressed demands to relocate refugees from the heavily polluted emergency location on Schlachthofstrasse. The living conditions in the former wholesale market hall in Harburg are particularly affected, where residents are defending themselves against the conditions. The operator Fördern & Wohnen has explained that not all free spaces can be occupied, and the Schlachthofstrasse location should be retained as a reserve location. 584 people are currently accommodated there.

Hamburg city politics is under pressure to optimize accommodation offerings. While the number of voluntary returns of asylum seekers is increasing, the need to accommodate refugees in the city in dignity and safety remains.