Federal Office for Migration and Refugees Faces Scrutiny Over Biometric Database Usage
Berlin, Germany – July 15, 2025 – A recent inquiry submitted to the Bundestag has shed light on the utilization of biometric databases by the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF). The document, identified as Drucksache 21/878, titled “Kleine Anfrage Nutzung biometrischer Datenbanken durch das Bundesamt für Migration und Flüchtlinge” (Minor Inquiry on the Use of Biometric Databases by the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees), was published today and indicates a growing interest from parliamentary bodies regarding the scope and implications of the BAMF’s data handling practices.
While the precise details of the inquiry will be made public following a period of review and potential response from the government, its publication signifies a crucial step in the ongoing dialogue surrounding data privacy and security in Germany, particularly within the context of immigration and asylum procedures. Biometric data, encompassing elements such as fingerprints, facial images, and iris scans, plays a significant role in identity verification and border control. The BAMF, as a central authority in managing migration flows and processing asylum applications, is understood to operate and access various databases that may contain such information.
The nature of a “Kleine Anfrage” (minor inquiry) suggests that parliamentarians are seeking specific information and clarification on the BAMF’s policies, procedures, and the legal framework governing its access to and use of biometric databases. Such inquiries often aim to address specific concerns, understand the extent of data collection, the purposes for which data is retained and processed, and the safeguards in place to protect this sensitive information.
The publication of Drucksache 21/878 comes at a time when the responsible and ethical use of personal data is a paramount concern for citizens and policymakers alike. As technology advances, so too does the capacity to collect and analyze biometric information, making parliamentary oversight and public transparency increasingly vital. This inquiry is expected to prompt a detailed response from the Federal Ministry of the Interior, Building and Community, which oversees the BAMF, providing insights into the current practices and future considerations regarding biometric data within the migration system.
Further details regarding the specific questions posed in the inquiry and the BAMF’s subsequent response will likely be a focal point for discussions on data protection, immigration policy, and the balance between security needs and individual privacy rights in the Federal Republic of Germany. The public awaits further clarification on this important matter.
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Drucksachen published ’21/878: Kleine Anfrage Nutzung biometrischer Datenbanken durch das Bundesamt für Migration und Flüchtlinge (PDF)’ at 2025-07-15 10:00. Please write a detailed article about this news in a polite tone with relevant information. Please reply in English with the article only.