Saxony-Anhalt deportation detention center faces construction delays

The construction of Saxony-Anhalt’s first deportation detention center in Volkstedt has faced significant delays. Originally intended to be completed by the end of 2026, the state Ministry of Finance has pushed the construction deadline to June 2027, with full commissioning not expected until the end of 2027.

Authorities cited bad weather, bureaucratic hurdles, and failure by construction companies to complete tasks as the primary reasons for the setbacks. The project, located near the A38 motorway, is budgeted at approximately 37.4 million euros to provide 30 detention spaces. This cost represents roughly 1.25 million euros per place.

Until the facility is operational, Saxony-Anhalt must continue to rely on detention capacity in other German federal states. Meanwhile, Ministry of Interior data indicates that the number of deportations from the state has decreased this year to 333, compared to 404 during the same period last year, noting an increase in voluntary departures since 2022.