Ukrainian asylum seekers surge 10-fold in Germany after Kyiv's policy change

The Interior Ministry spokesperson said the number of Ukrainian asylum seekers rose from around 100 per week to 1,000 after the ban on men aged 18-22 leaving was lifted. The ministry currently cannot say whether this trend will continue.

In addition, according to the ministry, the overall number of Ukrainians seeking asylum in Germany increased over the summer. In May 2025, 7,961 people were distributed, and by August, it was 11,277.

As of October 4, 2025, 1,293,672 people who fled to Germany from Ukraine due to the war since February 2022 were registered in the Central Register of Foreigners.

Unlike asylum seekers from Syria or Afghanistan, Ukrainian refugees in Germany receive a permit that provides immediate access to the labor market and social benefits.

As early as July 2023, 44% of surveyed Ukrainian refugees in Germany planned to stay in the country for at least a few more years or even permanently.

This year, Germany’s Federal Statistical Office noted that Ukrainian refugees have stopped the decline in the share of young people in the country.

Permission to leave the country for young men

At the end of August, the government allowed men aged 18 to 22 to leave the country. This rule took effect on August 28.

The State Border Guard Service said that to leave, men need a passport and military registration documents in paper or electronic form.

The Polish Border Guard reported that from August 28 to September 19, nearly 40,000 checks of Ukrainian men aged 18-22 wishing to enter Poland were registered at the Ukrainian-Polish border.