The German Bundestag passed a bill adding Georgia and Moldova to the list of so-called safe countries whose citizens' applications can be considered under an accelerated and simplified procedure. 

According to German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser, this is an important step towards reducing illegal migration. The two countries currently account for more than 10 percent of rejected asylum applications, while only less than 0.3 percent are granted.

"Overall, there is no threat of political persecution in either of these countries. By recognizing these countries as safe countries of origin, we can significantly speed up the asylum application process and reduce the burden on local authorities and courts," Faeser added.

The document still has to pass through the Bundesrat, the chamber of the federal states. If approved there, it will be much easier for Berlin to reject asylum seekers from Georgia and Moldova. At the same time, Tbilisi and Chişinău will commit to accepting their citizens back if they are denied asylum. Due to the lack of such agreements, Germany has previously been unable to return large numbers of migrants.