Migration: Thuringia’s initial reception no longer accepts refugees

The largest of the Thuringian state initial reception centers is no longer accepting refugees for the time being. People arriving in Suhl would either be distributed to the smaller initial reception centers in Eisenberg and Hermsdorf or, if possible, to other federal states, said a spokesman for the Migration Ministry.

The background is the high level of stress in Suhl over the last few days. In the afternoon over 1,600 people were accommodated there. There are hourly fluctuations, said the spokesman. Only 1,400 would be permitted under fire protection law. The limit for regular operations was previously the number of 800 people. It was said that this limit could no longer be adhered to.

The admission stop will apply until the fire protection limit is maintained again, said a spokeswoman for the state administration office. The initial reception centers in other federal states as well as the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees have been informed. She pointed out that other federal states have larger anchor centers for refugees, where there is probably still capacity.

In Thuringia, the state first reception in Hermsdorf is probably the most obvious alternative, as only just under 400 of the official 800 places are occupied there. However, it is only an emergency shelter. Almost 80 people were moved to Hermsdorf on Friday and Saturday. In addition, according to the state administration office, around 100 people will be distributed to Erfurt on Monday. Meanwhile, the state is still looking for a property to replace the accommodation in Hermsdorf. However, it will not be clear until the end of October whether there are viable offers.