Decreasing refugee count prompts questions about Baden's shelters' future
In the Ortenau district of Germany, the number of refugee arrivals has continued to decline, with only 554 individuals arriving between January and August of this year. This marks a significant drop compared to the same period in 2023, when 1,462 refugees came to the district.
The trend of decreasing refugee arrivals is not unique to Ortenau. Across Germany, the number of people receiving asylum seeker benefits has decreased by around 10% compared to the previous year, according to federal data. As of the end of 2024, approximately 461,000 people in Germany were receiving such benefits.
In the Karlsruhe region, the exact number of asylum seekers until August 2025 is not clearly provided in available sources, and there is no comparison with figures from previous years. However, the city of Gaggenau, the second-largest city in the Rastatt district, has been actively involved in refugee resettlement. Gaggenau takes in persons for family reunification and those from Ukraine.
The decrease in refugee arrivals in Gaggenau has led to a reduction in the number of accommodations. A quarter of all returns have been carried out directly from the initial reception facilities. In an effort to move away from expensive container solutions, the Ortenau district is opting for fixed buildings for accommodations.
A new residential home at the old station in Achern, Ortenau district, is ready for occupation. However, as of now, no one lives in the new residential home. Stand-by operations may occur in Achern to ensure greater flexibility in handling changing conditions.
The average occupancy rate of initial reception facilities in the Karlsruhe regional government district has risen again after falling from an average of 3,191 persons in 2023 to 2,420 in 2024. This increase in average occupancy is due to the longer stay of asylum seekers in initial reception facilities.
In August 2021, there were 3,941 registrations, which is approximately five times the current figure. In August 2023, the number of registrations decreased to 1,086, marking a significant drop.
Separate facilities exist for particularly vulnerable persons. The migration office, headed by Christiane Schulz, is adapting the property landscape to accommodate these individuals and move away from container solutions towards economically suitable accommodations.
It is important to note that there is a statewide responsibility for the accommodation and care of refugees across all four government presidencies in Baden-Württemberg. The Ortenau region has experienced a decrease in arrivals of refugees, but the situation is constantly evolving and requires ongoing adaptation and management.
