Refugees from Tegel: New hotel in Lichtenberg causes excitement!

Refugees from Tegel: New hotel in Lichtenberg causes excitement!

NAG/NAG editorial team –

In a dramatic move, the first refugees from the large accommodation in Tegel moved into their new home in a former hotel in Lichtenberg. At midday, 20 of them arrived, and more arrivals were expected by evening. The spokesman for the State Office for Refugee Affairs (LAF) confirmed that 30 to 50 more people will be added every day over the next three weeks. This measure is part of a plan to accommodate up to 780 refugees in the new accommodation by early December, which includes both asylum seekers from various countries and war refugees from Ukraine, such as Borken newspaper reported.

But the joy about the new accommodation is overshadowed by criticism. The building complex, which consists of three high-rise buildings, cannot yet be fully used. The final construction work is not scheduled to be completed until July 2025. The LAF plans to eventually accommodate up to 1,200 people there. These delays have led to protests, particularly from the AfD, which has organized demonstrations against the facility. The district mayor of Lichtenberg, Martin Schaefer (CDU), has also repeatedly expressed concerns and called for a better distribution of refugees in Berlin.

Criticism and resistance

The new residents are not only confronted with the uncertainty of the construction work, but also with a wave of rejection from the population. Information evenings organized by the Senate and the LAF were characterized by heated discussions. Many citizens express their concerns about the integration of refugees and the strain on local infrastructure. There are currently around 35,400 refugees living in regular LAF accommodation in Berlin, with Lichtenberg being one of the most affected districts with around 4,000 refugees. Only Pankow, Tempelhof-Schöneberg and Marzahn-Hellersdorf accommodate more refugees.

The situation is tense and the challenges are diverse. The refugees hope for a better life, while the residents fear for their safety and quality of life. The coming months will be crucial to see how the dynamic between the new residents and the existing community will develop. The need for a fair distribution of refugees in the city is becoming increasingly urgent, as well Borken newspaper determines.

The debate about the accommodation and integration of refugees in Berlin is a hot topic that not only divides politics but also society. While some call for more solidarity, others call for stricter control and distribution. The coming developments will show how this complex situation continues to unfold and what solutions will be found to meet both the needs of refugees and the concerns of local residents.