Several European countries tighten rules on asylum seekers

A migrant girl is covered with a blanket moments after refugees and migrants arrived on a raft on a beach on the the Greek island of Lesbos, January 29, 2016. [Photo/Agencies]

Leaders of Germany's ruling coalition struck a compromise on changes to asylum laws on Thursday, especially concerning family reunion for refugees, said German Deputy Chancellor Sigmar Gabriel.

According the compromise deal reached on Thursday, a waiting-period of two years would be introduced in the future for families seeking to join people who get so-called "subsidiary protection" in Germany.

Coalition leaders have also agreed to improve the situation concerning vocational training for refugees.

People who get trained in Germany, according to Gabriel, would be allowed to work for two years in the country after the training, regardless of their status.

In addition, other new regulations under discussions on Thursday included designating Morocco, Tunisia and Algeria as "safe countries of origin," as well as the construction of special reception centers where applications for asylum could be processed much faster.