Significant reduction in asylum approvals anticipated in Saxony-Anhalt, set for August 2025

In a significant development, the state of Saxony-Anhalt has witnessed a continuous decrease in asylum applications since June 2025. This trend was further confirmed in August 2025, with the number of new asylum seekers decreasing significantly compared to previous years.

According to official data, 214 asylum applications were registered in August 2025, which is around 60% less than in August 2024 (512). This decline is a continuation of the broader migration turnaround observed in the region.

The partial operation of the LAE (Accommodation Centre for Asylum Seekers) in Stendal, which began in May 2024, has played a crucial role in this development. The early operation of the LAE in Stendal made it possible to close temporary branch offices across the state, including those in Blankenburg, Halberstadt, Merseburg, Oberharz am Brocken, Bernburg, and Quedlinburg. The closure of these offices was completed by June 2025.

The LAE in Stendal fulfills the accommodation concept from 2016, which aims for long-term accommodation at two locations: the main office of the ZASt (State Office for Migration and Refugees) in Halberstadt and the LAE in Stendal. The LAE in Magdeburg, located on Breitscheidstraße, is also scheduled to close by the end of 2025 due to the completion and full operation of the LAE in Stendal and the decreasing number of asylum applications.

Interior Minister Dr. Tamara Zieschang attributes this significant decrease in asylum applications to a migration turnaround. She emphasised that the closure of the LAE in Magdeburg will lead to a concentration of reception facilities, with the newly completed LAE in Stendal replacing it as a second main site alongside Halberstadt.

This decline in asylum applications has eased the burden on municipalities in Saxony-Anhalt. The reduction in the number of asylum seekers has also resulted in a decrease in the number of asylum applications from January to August 2025, which is 44% less than in the same period last year (3,485).

In summary, the decrease in asylum applications in Saxony-Anhalt has been ongoing since June 2025, with August 2025 seeing a 60% decrease compared to August 2024. This decline is a continuation of the broader migration turnaround and has led to the closure of several branch offices and the eventual closure of the LAE in Magdeburg by the end of 2025.