Germany's refugee program freeze in April 2025 following the election victory of the center-right party led by Friedrich Merz, whose platform included stricter migration policies.

Hundreds of thousands of refugees, including individuals from the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, and Afghanistan, have been affected. Some who had received resettlement approval, which was later revoked, told DW from a Kenyan refugee camp that the sudden cancellations caused severe emotional and physical distress. Many had given up homes and savings after years of preparing for a new life.

Immigration lawyer Matthias Lehnert said more than 50 families are now suing the German government, arguing that legally binding resettlement agreements were ignored.

According to UNHCR, 183 refugees were returned to the remote Kakuma camp in northern Kenya, where resources are limited. Germany had pledged to admit 13,000 refugees in 2024–2025 but has so far taken in only about a third.

Correction, August 7, 2025: This video contains the incorrect spelling of the name of Matthias Lehnert. DW apologizes for the error.