Asylum seeker reception centers in Rhineland-Palatinate to be reorganized

Rhineland-Palatinate's initial reception centers for asylum seekers (Afa) are undergoing a significant overhaul, with some facilities slated for closure. "The Afas are facing a fundamental turning point," stated Achim Schwickert, the new Interior and Integration Minister, in an interview with the German Press Agency. He noted that the Kusel facility has already been vacated at the request of the German military, and there is a plan to clear the Speyer facility by the end of 2026.

Schwickert, a member of the CDU party, explained that cities are keen to have military bases returned to them. This move, however, is creating challenges for the initial reception centers. Katrin Eder, the leader of the opposition Green Party faction, criticized the military's site planning, saying it "puts the initial reception in a bind." She emphasized the need for a restructuring of Afa places and called on the state government to develop a transparent and robust site and capacity plan.

Currently, about half of the 5,000 available spots in the reception centers are occupied. Schwickert assured that those leaving Kusel and those still in Speyer can be accommodated in the remaining facilities. Construction is underway at the rented Bitburg location due to fire safety regulations, but two smaller alternative quarters will be lost by the end of the year, resulting in a total loss of approximately 2,000 places across the three sites. "With the current admission numbers, this is not a problem. The goal is to create sufficient reserve capacities again," Schwickert said.

The minister is considering options such as expanding existing facilities or improving temporary housing to convert them into regular living spaces. Specific sites like Hermeskeil and Hahn Airport are being evaluated. A new location might also be necessary, though this decision is pending and depends on the 2027/28 budget. Schwickert aims to maintain a capacity of 5,000 places to avoid immediately distributing all new arrivals to municipalities if numbers increase, ensuring better central control over who arrives and their health status. However, he also acknowledged that fewer places might suffice if refugee numbers do not rise.