Germany is considering conducting asylum procedures for Nigerians and other intending migrants in Africa, says Special Commissioner for Migration of Germany, Joachim Stamp.

Mr Stamp explained that persons rescued from the Mediterranean Sea could be sent to live in North Africa to reside until their asylum process is finalised, according to Info Migrants.

However, he pointed out that it could take a while for the plan to actualise because the concerned nations have to engage in “a lot of diplomacy” before reaching a decision.

This is not the first time the move has been discussed; in 2016, when Thomas de Maizière was the interior minister, he made a similar suggestion that persons rescued from the Mediterranean sea be taken to North Africa. 

Horst Seehofer who succeeded Mr Maizière suggested the same idea but the plan never saw the light of day because of legal snags and lack of cooperation among the countries involved.

Meanwhile, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is backing a move that will have the government deport unsuccessful asylum applicants to their nations of origin.

“If Germany guarantees protection to people who are persecuted, those who cannot claim this protection must go back to their home countries. The prerequisite for this is that the home countries also take back their compatriots, and this is something which often is still lacking,” Mr Scholz said.