The already tense situation regarding the accommodation of refugees in Berlin has worsened dramatically. Because there are only a few places left, an emergency plan should now be put into effect, as integration senator Katja Kipping (left) told the German press agency on Wednesday.
Among other things, the plan is to open a large tent with around 900 sleeping places, which has so far been a reserve on the premises of the Ukraine arrival center in Tegel. The renting of overnight places in hostels or the setting up of additional tents will also be examined.
According to Kipping, Berlin has had to take in more asylum seekers for some time because “almost all other federal states” have dropped out of the nationwide distribution system for the time being. “There is actually an admission freeze for people who apply for asylum for the first time.”
According to Kipping, the other countries justified this by saying that they were heavily burdened by taking in Ukrainian refugees who do not have to apply for asylum. “Berlin has to cushion that now. That aggravates the situation here.”
Kipping called on the other federal states to return to the distribution system based on the so-called Königstein key. According to this system, asylum seekers are distributed among the states according to the number of inhabitants. Berlin’s share is a good five percent. “We have to find political solutions here,” said Kipping.
According to earlier information from the responsible authorities, in addition to war refugees from Ukraine, around 1,000 asylum seekers from numerous other countries were registered in Berlin every month. According to the current figures, around 450 more can be expected in July due to the freeze on admissions in other federal states, said Kipping. In addition, the tendency for refugees to move in is increasing again anyway.
When asked by the dpa, the State Office for Refugee Affairs (Laf) reported that there were still 326 free places in community accommodation and reception facilities. For comparison: The total capacity is around 24,500. According to Kipping, the vacancies will soon be filled.
At the beginning of July, the senator sounded the alarm with regard to the accommodation of refugees and pointed out the tense situation. At that time there was still talk of around 850 free places.
What has the Senate done since then? According to Kipping, a container village on Columbiadamm at the former Tempelhof Airport has now been reactivated, and the first parts of it have been opened as emergency shelters. Around 330 places are currently occupied there. In the district of Lichtenberg, a new modular accommodation (Muf) with 385 places will open on August 1st. The task force at Laf, which is to find new accommodation, has been strengthened.
Kipping recalled that more refugees from Ukraine were arriving every day. “And on the other hand, there are more and more people from Ukraine who are supposed to get out of the private accommodation in which they were initially accommodated and who now have to be accommodated in refugee accommodation.”
Many Berliners who initially helped and provided living space are now realizing that they are reaching their breaking point, Kipping said. They were now looking for other solutions. “Many are reluctant to send their guests to shared accommodation and are hoping for an apartment for them.” It is well known, however, that it is “damn difficult” for all refugees to find an apartment.