February, 2026

• 2 February

  Housing Discrimination Unlawful, Germany’s Top Court Rules

  

  In a landmark judgment that strengthens protection against discrimination in Germany’s housing market, the Federal Court of Justice (BGH) has ruled that real estate agents may not reject housing applicants because of their names. Turning down a prospective tenant solely because their name sounds “foreign,” the court, which is the country’s highest court on civil matters, held, constitutes unlawful ethnic …

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• 2 February

  Germany’s New ‘Safe Country of Origin’ Rule Sparks Legal Controversy

  

  From 1 February 2026, Germany will apply a new regulation that fundamentally changes how so-called “safe countries of origin” are designated in asylum procedures. The federal government says the move will speed up decisions, ease pressure on authorities and courts, and send a clear signal that asylum applications from certain countries have little chance of success. Critics, however, warn that …

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January, 2026

• 31 January

  Milestone: Dr Pierrette Herzberger-Fofana Inducted as Honorary Citizen of Erlangen

  

  When the City of Erlangen formally honoured Dr Pierrette Herzberger-Fofana at a solemn ceremony on 13 January 2026, it was more than a celebratory moment. Held at Erlangen City Hall during a special session of the City Council, the occasion marked the recognition of a life dedicated to social justice, civic engagement and the long, often difficult struggle for equality …

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• 31 January

  Germany: What Changes in February 2026? Key Legal, Travel and other Updates

  

  February 2026 may be short, but it brings wide-ranging changes—from migration and travel rules to religious life. Staying informed helps residents navigate the month with fewer surprises and better preparation. Here is a clear overview of what is new—and what it means in everyday life. Continued School Support for Low-Income Families As the second half of the 2025/2026 school year …

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• 26 January

  Germany: Labour Minister Pushes for Better Residency Rights for Trainee Refugees

  

  Germany’s Federal Minister of Labour and Social Affairs, Bärbel Bas, a member of the SPD, has intensified calls within the federal government for stronger legal protections to keep young refugees in the country during and after vocational training. Speaking during a recent visit to the ABB Training Centre Berlin/Brandenburg, Bas underlined the urgent need for certainty for German companies that …

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• 25 January

  Germany moves to curb abuse of paternity acknowledgments

  

  The German government has put forward a new draft law aimed at stopping what it describes as the abuse of paternity acknowledgments — a practice called “sham paternity” (Scheinvaterschaft) — that can be used to secure residence rights, citizenship and social benefits for children and their parents. The reform is intended by the government of Chancellor Friedrich Merz to address …

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• 25 January

  Cyprus signals tougher line on migration as it takes EU helm

  

  As Cyprus assumes its six-month presidency of the European Union (1 January – 30 June 2026), the Mediterranean island is moving quickly to underline its priorities — with migration control and returns high on the agenda. These developments are being followed with concerns by refugee support groups. In recent weeks, Cypriot authorities have intensified the removal of people whose asylum …

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• 25 January

  Trans-African Tourism and Unity Campaign Concludes Historic Continental Journey

  

  The landmark Trans-African Tourism and Unity Campaign, led by Pan-African advocate and former Ghanaian lawmaker Ras Mubarak, concluded its multi-month continental tour on 22 January 2026 after traversing 31 African countries and covering more than 40,000 kilometres. The campaign, which began in Accra on 18 August 2025, was to promote visa-free travel across Africa by 2030, strengthen tourism, deepen cultural …

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• 25 January

  Germany: Growing concerns for benefit recipients over changes in 2026

  

  Germany is moving ahead with a major overhaul of its welfare system. The federal government has approved plans to abolish the Bürgergeld (citizens’ allowance) and replace it with a new system known as Neue Grundsicherung (New Basic Security). The reform, which is currently under parliamentary debate, is expected to come into force on 1 July 2026, marking a decisive shift …

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• 17 January

  US Increases Entry Barriers for Most African Nationals

  

  Over 60% of African countries now face costly bonds or travel restrictions, highlighting the growing global mobility gap compared with European citizens, for example. In recent months, the United States has introduced sweeping visa policy changes that disproportionately affect travellers from Africa, adding new obstacles to business trips, tourism and family reunification. Central to these changes is an expanded B‑1/B‑2 …

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