Visa Free Travel to Germany for Colombians is in Danger Due to Abuse of Asylum Policies

Colombia’s visa-free access to the Schengen Area, including Germany, faces potential suspension due to a significant increase in asylum requests from Colombian nationals. Joachim Stamp, Germany’s Special Commissioner for Migration Agreements, issued a warning about the potential consequences of continued misuse of asylum mechanisms during an interview with El Tiempo.

Stamp emphasized the importance that Colombians following legal migration pathways, particularly through Germany’s specialized worker migration program. “Migrating through this law offers great opportunities to work and live in our country,” Stamp explained.

Last September the two countries had signed a Joint Declaration of Intent to establish a migration partnership aiming to create structured migration pathways, while strengthening bilateral ties and addressing labor market needs in Germany. At the time, Stamp mentioned Germany’s interest in attracting young Colombian professionals to its labor market while discouraging asylum applications. “Colombia is a key partner with whom we maintain close contact. This joint declaration marks a significant step forward,” quoted a press release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Colombian Deputy Foreign Minister Jorge Rojas Rodríguez clarified to El Tiempo: “The right of asylum is not being denied, what worries us is that there are criminal networks that traffic migrants using illegal mechanisms and deceiving people so that they go to Germany for asylum. What Germany says is that they do not need that.”

Asylum applications from Colombians in Germany have surged by an unprecedented 4,700% over the past six years. However, 99.7% of these claims are denied, resulting in mandatory repatriation for most applicants. Stamp highlighted that abusing the asylum process could also jeopardize Colombia’s privilege of the Schengen visa exemption.

Un diálogo directo y franco con el gobierno de Alemania para promover la migración regular y prevenir la trata de personas y el tráfico de migrantes que usan indebidamente el derecho de asilo.

Trabajamos en Bogotá con el Representante Especial del Gobierno Federal para Acuerdos… pic.twitter.com/5Q7N6iczdo

— Jorge Rojas Rodríguez (@jorgerojas2022) December 19, 2024

The situation follows the recent decision of the United Kingdom to reinstate visa requirements for Colombians following similar circumstances. Stamp also mentioned in the interview that discussions are already underway among European Union member states about the possibility of taking such measures.

Currently, the Schengen visa exemption allows Colombians with valid passports to travel to most EU countries for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without requiring a visa.

Stamp remains optimistic about managing the issue, but he warned that the situation must be addressed promptly to prevent further restrictions.

Headline photo: Colombian Deputy Foreign Minister Jorge Rojas Rodríguez and Joachim Stamp, Germany’s Special Commissioner for Migration Agreements (Photo: Jorge Rojas / Twiter/X )