Ever wonder where decisions about migration and refugees are made in Germany? That’s right here at the Bundesamt f\u00fcr Migration und Fl\u00fcchtlinge, BAMF for short. It is located in Nuremberg. This office plays a crucial role in shaping the lives of many.
Let’s delve into the story of this important federal agency. The Bundesamt f\u00fcr Migration und Fl\u00fcchtlinge started as a small office. It was founded January 12 1953. Back then it was called Bundesdienststelle f\u00fcr die Anerkennung ausl\u00e4ndischer Fl\u00fcchtlinge. This translates to Federal Agency for the Recognition of Foreign Refugees. The office had just 40 employees.
In 1965 the name changed. It became Bundesamt f\u00fcr die Anerkennung ausl\u00e4ndischer Fl\u00fcchtlinge. That is Federal Office for the Recognition of Foreign Refugees. On January 1 2005, it got its current name. Now it is the Bundesamt f\u00fcr Migration und Fl\u00fcchtlinge.
The Bundesamt f\u00fcr Migration und Fl\u00fcchtlinge has many responsibilities. It handles asylum applications. The office also runs integration courses. They even offer migration advice. Plus the Bundesamt supports the return of individuals to their home countries.
Initially the office was in N\u00fcrnberg-Langwasser. It was housed in the Valka camp. This camp had a history. It was once an SS-Kaserne. In 1961 the office moved to Zirndorf. It was near a camp used for foreign nationals since 1959. Later in 1986 parts of the office went back to N\u00fcrnberg-Langwasser. They occupied a rented office building. Finally in November and December 1996, the headquarters moved to its current location. This is the former S\u00fcdkaserne in Nuremberg.
The Bundesamt f\u00fcr Migration und Fl\u00fcchtlinge has grown significantly. In 1980 it had about 240 employees. By 1993 that number jumped to over 4000. In 2015 the staff was 2800. Due to increasing asylum applications, they planned to increase to 4800 employees.
The Bundesamt faced challenges during the refugee crisis. There was a backlog of unprocessed applications. There were also misunderstandings about the Dublin Agreement. The Dublin Agreement determines which EU country is responsible for processing an asylum claim.
The Bundesamt f\u00fcr Migration und Fl\u00fcchtlinge collaborates with many organizations. These include welfare associations. They also work with church communities. Additionally the Bundesamt partners with international groups.
Leading the Bundesamt f\u00fcr Migration und Fl\u00fcchtlinge is a president and two vice presidents. Hans-Eckhard Sommer is the current president. Katrin Hirseland and Michael Griesbeck are the vice presidents.
The Bundesamt is structured into departments. These departments handle various tasks. They cover everything from asylum processes to integration programs. They also deal with international affairs. Each department plays a vital role in the BAMF’s mission.
The Bundesamt f\u00fcr Migration und Fl\u00fcchtlinge also has numerous field offices. These are located throughout Germany. These offices help manage the workload. They ensure services are accessible nationwide.
The work of the Bundesamt f\u00fcr Migration und Fl\u00fcchtlinge is essential. It shapes migration and integration policies in Germany. It directly impacts the lives of refugees and immigrants. As you stand here remember the significance of this institution. It contributes to a complex and ever-evolving landscape.