Bavarian Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann announced a significant success in the state's migration policy. In 2025, the number of new asylum applications fell by more than half, allowing for the complete release of sports halls from their function as accommodation sites. Despite the receding wave of refugees, municipalities still report difficulties in providing an adequate number of overnight places for those remaining in the system, although the overall trend indicates a clear relief for local structures.

Drastic Drop in Applications

The number of new migrants in Bavaria fell by more than half compared to the previous year, which Minister Herrmann calls a breakthrough.

Release of Civil Infrastructure

For the first time in years, no sports hall in Bavaria serves as overnight accommodation for refugees anymore.

Reduction in Overnight Places

The demand for places in centers fell by 13,500, although the system still serves 124,500 people.

Bavarian Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann (CSU) presented the balance sheet of migration policy for 2025, announcing the arrival of the "asylum breakthrough." The presented data shows that after years of high migratory pressure, the number of new refugees arriving in the state has fallen by more than half. This success is attributed to the government's new course and increased efficiency in the areas of deportations and voluntary returns. Thanks to these changes, the authorities were able to announce that currently no sports hall in Bavaria is being used as temporary shelter for migrants anymore. The migration crisis in Germany peaked in the years 2015–2016, when over a million people arrived in the country, forcing local authorities to adapt public utility buildings for housing purposes.Despite optimistic reports from the government, the Städtetag (Association of Cities) tempers emotions, pointing to the still difficult situation regarding accommodation. Although the number of needed places fell by 13,500 over the year, the system still has to maintain a base of around 124,500 beds. Minister Herrmann emphasized, however, that the downward trend is steady and realistically contributes to improving the capacity of Bavarian municipalities. The state plans further tightening of procedures to maintain this direction in the coming years. „The asylum breakthrough is in full swing, bringing tangible relief to our local communities.” — Joachim Herrmann In the analysis of the political success, there is no shortage of voices indicating that the current results are the effect of cooperation at the federal level between the black-red coalition. Although CSU claims the main credit for its tough stance in Munich, commentators note that changing geopolitical conditions on the main migration routes to Europe also influence the statistics. Changes in the Asylum System (2024 vs 2025): Number of refugees in the system: 138,000 → 124,500; Use of sports halls: Numerous facilities → Zero; Dynamics of new applications: High → Decrease of 50%

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