Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Doubles Asylum Capacity to 2,400 Despite Decline

Despite a drop in asylum seekers, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern is doubling its reception capacity. This move aims to future-proof the system and support municipalities.

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2025 October 16 . 2:02 PM

1 min read

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State Government Sticks to Expansion of Refugee Reception Center - Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Doubles Asylum Capacity to 2,400 Despite Decline

The cabinet of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern has decided to double the state's initial reception capacity for asylum seekers, from 1,200 to 2,400 places, despite a decrease in numbers. This expansion aims to prepare for potential surges and ease the burden on municipalities.

The expansion is underway at two sites: Nostorf-Horst and Stern Buchholz. Nostorf-Horst will gain 200 places, while Stern Buchholz will see an increase of 500 places. Currently, 100 places are operational at Stern Buchholz, with the remaining 400 expected by the end of 2026. The state government hopes to complete the expansion by then.

In 2025, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern registered 2,099 new asylum seekers and refugees in the first nine months, a significant drop from the previous year and similar to 2021 levels. Despite this decrease, the government is proceeding with the expansion plans. Federal Minister of the Interior Alexander Dobrindt ordered border rejections for asylum seekers, with exceptions for vulnerable groups, on 7 May 2025.

The expansion of initial reception facilities in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern is ongoing, with the goal of doubling capacity to 2,400 places. This move, despite decreasing asylum seeker numbers, aims to prepare for potential future increases and relieve municipalities by lengthening stays in initial reception.