Cologne immigration scandal involves 471 Western Balkan citizens

A political scandal has emerged in Cologne, Germany, involving a list of 471 individuals from the Western Balkans who were legally required to leave the country. The list, sent in November 2024 by the Central Foreigners Office in Coesfeld to the Cologne Foreigners Office, includes citizens from Serbia, North Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, and Kosovo.

Critics allege that deportations have been intentionally delayed. While Coesfeld offered assistance in issuing temporary travel documents to facilitate removals, the Cologne authorities responded regarding 218 individuals with potential temporary residency prospects, stating no document assistance was needed. Reports indicate Cologne was instead exploring ways to allow some of these individuals to remain permanently. Additionally, 40 people were removed from the list of potential residents without public explanation.

Human rights groups have raised concerns that those affected are primarily Roma, warning against ethnic profiling. The matter gained national attention following reports by the Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger and other major German media outlets.