Hundreds of Muslim migrants converting to Christianity in order to win asylum in Germany

Iranian asylum seekers Aref Movasaq Rodsari (left) and Vesam Heydari (C)AP

Hundreds of Muslim migrants are said to be converting to Christianity to boost their chances of winning asylum in Germany, the DailyMail reports. In order to achieve this, Iranian and Afghan asylum seekers are said to be undertaking a three-month crash course after which converting to a Christian allows them to claim they would face persecution if sent home.

Pastor Gottfried Martens baptizing migrants from Iran at the Trinity Church in Berlin. (C)AP

 Over 20,000 refugees were reported to have flocked into Germany over the weekend, with many more still coming. Chancellor Angela Merkel today described the influx as 'breathtaking' and said it would change the make-up of country forever. She said: 'What we are experiencing now is something that will occupy and change our country in coming years.' She said Germany will ensure that those who need protection receive it, but that those who stand no chance of getting asylum will have to return to their homes swiftly. However, she has also emphasized that being a Christian alone does not help an applicant as she went out of her way this week to reiterate that Islam 'belongs in Germany.'
Germany is witnessing an unprecedented surge of asylum-seekers this year, with the number of migrants expected to reach 800,000 this year, a fourfold increase on last year.