Germany’s migration and deportation policies remain under intense scrutiny in 2026, with significant implications for African migrants, including those from The Gambia.

According to migration and human rights advocate Yahya Moro Yapha, Germany deported numerous migrants throughout 2025, with the impact on smaller countries like The Gambia being particularly pronounced given the size of their communities.

Now, the issue has reached the European Commission, where Germany, along with countries such as Italy and Denmark, is drafting a proposal to allow European nations to establish “third safe country” agreements with non-EU states. Under the plan, failed asylum seekers or new arrivals could be sent to these third countries to have their asylum applications processed in coordination with the EU Commission.

Meanwhile, Germany continues to pursue its current deportation measures.

The government has promised stricter border controls, faster processing of pending asylum applications, intensified arrest and deportation of failed asylum seekers, and tighter immigration enforcement.

These policies are receiving strong backing from right-wing political groups.

Yapha warns: “this is the current reality of immigration and deportation policy in Germany and across Europe. Migrants must remain cautious, stay aware of their immigration status, and keep informed about every change and update.”

The developments highlight the growing tension in Europe over migration and asylum policies and signal that African migrants in Germany, including Gambians, need to monitor policy changes closely.

By Adama Makasuba