The German federal government has made a historic decision that will change the operations of the country's migration service. Berlin has approved a bill creating an official legal basis for the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into the processes of processing asylum and residence permit applications. This step is designed to accelerate bureaucratic procedures and increase their efficiency.
Digitalization Instead of Red Tape
According to official data, the use of algorithms should make administrative processes more standardized, high-quality, and secure. The main goal of the innovation is to relieve the system of accumulated cases and reduce waiting times for applicants.
The bill empowers competent authorities to use anonymized personal data collected during procedures for training and developing artificial intelligence systems. These algorithms will analyze the course of administrative processes, identify patterns in decision-making, and help process incoming applications faster.
The German government emphasizes that thanks to the implementation of technologies, applications should be processed faster, and decision-making will become simpler.
How exactly will the algorithm work?
New systems will gain access to tools for verifying the authenticity of information. The bill provides for the possibility of using AI to compare data indicated in the application with open sources of information on the internet.
However, the developers of the system are laying down important limitations. Verification via open data will be applied selectively — only in cases where migration service employees have justified doubts about the honesty of the submitted information.
The Human Role Remains Key
Despite the active implementation of technologies, the document clearly defines the boundary of responsibility. The individual consideration of each case and the making of the final decision will remain the exclusive prerogative of state agency employees.
Artificial intelligence in the new system will perform a strictly auxiliary function. It will not replace officials and will not have the right to independently issue permits or refuse asylum. The algorithm will only highlight facts and accelerate information gathering for the person making the decision.
Context of Migration Policy
The introduction of AI in Germany is taking place against the backdrop of tightening migration norms in Europe. For example, the UK previously required some refugees to return to the state funds spent on their maintenance during the consideration of applications. In Germany itself, measures to tighten the rules for receiving social assistance are also being discussed, in particular, norms regarding refusal to work, which could lead to a complete stop of basic payments for certain categories of migrants.
