Cologne integration program includes migrants under criminal investigation

A controversy has emerged in Germany regarding the asylum and integration policies in Cologne. It was revealed that several migrants from the Western Balkans, who were eligible for a city integration program, are currently under criminal investigation for serious offenses.

In autumn 2024, the Kessfeld Central Office for Foreigners offered Cologne replacement travel documents for 471 rejected asylum seekers from the Western Balkans to facilitate their deportation. However, Cologne’s residency regulation department declined the offer, opting instead to include 218 individuals from the list in an integration project aimed at helping those with long-term tolerated stays settle into German society.

Investigations revealed that 119 of these individuals had existing police records. Reports indicate that over 150 criminal proceedings were identified among those in the program, including allegations of rape, child sexual abuse, distribution of child pornography, robbery, serious bodily harm, cocaine trafficking, and money laundering.

City authorities stated that under rules adopted in March 2021, a criminal record does not automatically disqualify an individual from the program, unless they have received a prison sentence of six months or more. Officials noted that an ongoing review will determine if the handling of these criminal cases complied with program conditions.