Hesse to close two refugee reception centers amid falling numbers

Hesse is reducing its refugee reception capacity by closing two sites as asylum seeker numbers have significantly decreased. The Alsfeld facility will shut down by September 30, 2026, and the Bad Arolsen location by the end of the year. The state will also dismantle temporary lightweight structures at other sites.

Integration Minister Heike Hofmann (SPD) announced the closures, citing a national decrease in asylum applications from approximately 200,000 in 2024 to about 100,000 in 2025. As of June 2, 2026, only about 32,700 asylum seekers had been registered nationwide.

The current occupancy at Hesse's eight remaining reception centers is 2,671 refugees, far below the 9,113 available spots. The state aims to achieve necessary savings through these measures, with the 2027 budget planning for 50 million euros in savings within the asylum sector, 35 million of which will come from the reception facilities. The land from dismantled structures will be kept clear for potential future use.