Germany Court Rules Deportation of Asylum Seekers to Greece Lawful

Germany's Federal Administrative Court has ruled that deporting single, healthy, and able-bodied asylum seekers back to Greece is lawful, even though Greece's asylum system has recognized shortcomings. The court found that returning these individuals does not violate their human rights, as they are unlikely to face inhumane or degrading treatment, and basic necessities such as temporary shelter, food, and hygiene are generally accessible through state or non-governmental support. The ruling applies to two men who had already been granted protection in Greece before seeking asylum in Germany, where their applications were deemed inadmissible under the EU’s Dublin Regulation. While refugee advocacy groups warn that returnees may struggle to access adequate support in Greece, the court maintained that the legal standard—access to 'bread, bed, and soap'—was met. The decision could influence future deportations and settles a long-standing dispute over returns to Greece, contrasting with previous German court decisions that were more critical of conditions there. Politicians have generally welcomed the decision, but rights groups remain concerned about the welfare of deported asylum seekers.