Large increase in Cubans claiming asylum in Germany

Germany has seen a notable increase in the number of Cubans claiming asylum in the country, with many making claims during layovers at Frankfurt's major international airport, reported dpa.

A total of 607 Cuban nationals have applied for asylum in Germany through July 2, compared to 73 over that same period last year, the German Interior Ministry confirmed to dpa. The newspaper Bild first reported the trend on Sunday.

Most of the Cubans claimed asylum after landing in Frankfurt with transit privileges, which allow foreigners to pass through German airports without a visa while en route to another destination.

A ministry spokeswoman said the "economic and structural situation in Cuba" was likely the reason for the increase.

According to Bild, many of the Cubans claiming asylum in Germany had booked flights to destinations for which Cuban citizens do not need visas, such as Dubai or Belgrade.

But instead of boarding their connecting flights in Frankfurt, they reported to German federal police at the airport and made asylum claims, the newspaper reported.

Normally, the Schengen area's collective visa and immigration rules would apply in Germany.

The government "is currently examining suitable measures to combat the phenomenon, such as transport bans or the deployment of specialized officers of the Federal Police," the ministry said.

About half of the Cubans who initially claimed asylum in Germany have not pursued their applications after having their biometric data collected by police at the airport, said the ministry.

They did not report to local immigration offices in Germany to file a formal application.