Falling refugee numbers: Does Ziesendorf really still need accommodation?

Falling refugee numbers: Does Ziesendorf really still need accommodation?

In recent years, the situation of asylum seekers and refugees in the Rostock district has changed noticeably. In complete contrast to the increasing numbers in 2022 and 2023, the number of people assigned will decrease in 2025. According to Nordkurier, 1,160 assignments were recorded in 2022, while there were only slightly fewer in 2023 with 1,150 assignments. In the current year 2024, only 651 assignments have already been registered by April, which corresponds to a monthly average of around 35 to 55 people.

A striking point is that Ukrainians can enter the country without being assigned, which means they do not appear in the relevant statistics. In the first quarter of 2024, 446 Ukrainians actively arrived, 130 of whom found accommodation independently in Germany.

Current occupancy and challenges

However, accommodations in the district have not yet reached full capacity. The occupancy of the accommodation is currently around 80% or less. Accommodations are considered full from an occupancy of 75%. The district council members have given some thought and are calling for the facilities to be fully utilized in order to counteract the threat of closure.

Although the Ministry of the Interior sees the need not to reduce the number of accommodations, it also points out that as numbers decline, facilities such as those in Schwarzenpfost, Schwarzheide, Elmenhorst and Teterow could be due to close as early as 2025 and Rövershagen in 2027. The district council has therefore issued an inspection order into the necessity of accommodation in Ziesendorf.

Benefits for refugees

It is important for refugees in the district that they have access to benefits under the Asylum Seekers Benefits Act. The city of Rostock offers these people various supports, ranging from basic services to secure their livelihoods to special health services. This information can be viewed on the website of the Rostock Town Hall.

The services include the provision of food, shelter, clothing and household goods as well as necessary health services and support for special needs, such as school supplies or interpreting costs. It is important that certain requirements for the payment of benefits are taken seriously so that social standards can also be adhered to.

Statistical insights

In order to accurately record the situation, there are comprehensive statistics on the recipients of asylum seeker benefits. These are regularly updated and include, among other things, data on gender, type of accommodation and specific needs of the service recipients. According to Destatis, this data is collected every month, which enables a transparent view of the situation of asylum seekers and refugees in the district.

Current developments and challenges show that a good hand in planning and organizing accommodation for refugees is necessary. Social responsibility in accordance with the political framework is also at stake. Whether the accommodation in Ziesendorf is actually still needed remains to be seen and is still the subject of examinations by the district administration.