Administrative Court Karlsruhe: Georgia cannot be considered a safe country of origin - German Court Challenges Georgia’s Status as a Safe Country for Asylum Seekers
A German court has ruled that Georgia cannot be classified as a safe country of origin under EU law. The decision came after two Georgian nationals challenged the rejection of their asylum applications. Their lawsuits were heard at the administrative court in Karlsruhe.
The ruling does not yet grant them refugee status, as further appeals remain possible.
The two Georgian citizens had applied for asylum in Germany but were refused. Their cases were dismissed because Georgia is currently listed as a safe country of origin. Under German law, asylum claims from such countries are usually fast-tracked for rejection, often leading to deportation.
The court found that Georgia’s designation as safe was legally flawed. EU regulations require that the entire territory and all inhabitants must meet safety standards. However, the ruling noted that the applicants had not proven a credible risk of persecution if returned.
The decision excludes the breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. While Western governments recognize them as part of Georgia, Russia considers them independent states. The court’s reasoning did not extend to these disputed areas.
This ruling follows a similar decision by Berlin’s administrative court in March. In contrast, Düsseldorf’s administrative court had raised no objections in April. The conflicting judgments highlight ongoing legal uncertainty over Georgia’s status.
The court’s decision means Germany’s current classification of Georgia as a safe country of origin is now in question. The two asylum seekers may still appeal, leaving their cases unresolved. For now, the ruling sets a precedent that could affect future asylum claims from Georgian nationals.
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