abschieben

Abschieben is a German term used in immigration policy to describe the forced removal of a non-c citizen from a country, typically after a decision denying asylum, refugee protection, or residence rights. The word combines ab- (away) with schieben (to push) and is commonly employed in official documents and public discourse to denote the act of expulsion or deportation.

Legal framework and procedure vary by country but share common elements. A competent authority assesses an individual’s status under national asylum or residence law. If the decision is to deport, a removal order is issued and the person may be detained or accompanied during travel. In many systems, the individual has the right to appeal or seek humanitarian exemptions, and there may be opportunities for voluntary departure or alternative measures if risk to the person upon return is deemed high. International law prohibits refoulement to places where a person faces persecution; authorities must evaluate safety and human rights risks before enforcing removal.

Context and scope differ across German-speaking countries. In Germany, Abschiebung is governed by the Residence Act and the Asylum Act, with judicial review and safeguards for minors and vulnerable groups. Similar procedures exist in Austria and Switzerland, each with its own remedies and timeframes. Public discussion often centers on humanitarian concerns, the balance between sovereignty and individual rights, and the effectiveness of enforcement versus integration policy.

See also: Deportation, Expulsion, Refoulement, Asylum policy.