BTN News: In a decisive move to enhance internal security and reduce illegal migration, Germany announced the introduction of temporary border controls starting September 16, 2024. This policy will affect all land borders, including those with France, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Denmark. The measures, aimed at curbing irregular migration and bolstering national safety, will remain in place for six months. The announcement comes in response to heightened concerns over security and immigration following a recent knife attack by a suspected jihadist and growing political pressure from both opposition parties and regional elections.
Germany Tightens Borders to Combat Illegal Immigration
Germany is stepping up its fight against illegal immigration with a comprehensive plan to introduce temporary border controls across all land entry points. The announcement, made by Interior Minister Nancy Faeser in Berlin, will see Germany expand existing checks at its borders with Switzerland, Austria, the Czech Republic, and Poland to include neighboring countries such as France, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Denmark. These measures are set to last for six months, as the country seeks to address growing concerns over illegal immigration and national security.
Expanded Border Checks to Counter Security Threats
The decision to tighten border controls comes in the wake of a knife attack last month by a suspected jihadist, which resulted in three deaths in western Germany. The incident has intensified the debate around Germany’s migration policies, placing security at the top of the national agenda. According to Faeser, the new measures will allow German police to turn away migrants found with false documentation or without valid visas at the borders.
“We are reinforcing our internal security and maintaining a tough stance against illegal migration,” said Faeser during her announcement.
30,000 People Rejected Since October 2023
Since October 2023, when Germany first introduced temporary controls at its borders with Poland, the Czech Republic, Austria, and Switzerland, more than 30,000 people attempting to enter Germany illegally have been turned away. Currently, the German police can only reject individuals at the border who do not submit an asylum application. However, Faeser noted that her ministry is exploring options for mass rejections in the future, citing a legally solid framework to be presented soon.
Government Prepares for Stricter Asylum Policies
Faeser’s remarks signal a potential shift toward even stricter asylum policies, with the German Interior Ministry preparing to unveil new proposals for mass rejections of asylum seekers at the border. These proposals will be discussed with opposition parties and regional governments in an upcoming meeting. The German government has also recently approved a package of measures to tighten gun laws, reduce benefits for asylum seekers already registered in other countries, and facilitate the deportation of violent criminals.
Political Pressure Mounts Amid Regional Elections
The tightening of border controls is not happening in a political vacuum. The opposition Christian Democratic Union (CDU) has offered to strike a deal with the ruling coalition of Social Democrats, Greens, and Liberals on migration policy. Their condition: asylum seekers should also be rejected at the borders.
Meanwhile, the far-right party Alternative for Germany (AfD), which campaigns for tougher immigration laws, has gained significant traction in recent regional elections. The AfD recently secured first and second place in the Saxony and Thuringia state elections and is expected to perform well in Brandenburg’s upcoming elections.
Looking Ahead: Future of Border Controls
Currently, the temporary controls at the border with Austria are scheduled to last until November 1, while those with Switzerland, the Czech Republic, and Poland are set to continue until December 15. However, the Interior Ministry has hinted that these measures may be extended further to align with the new six-month controls on other borders.
What Lies Ahead for Germany’s Migration Policy?
The German government’s recent moves reflect an evolving stance on migration and border security. As political and public pressure mounts, the country appears poised to implement even stricter measures in the months ahead, balancing national security concerns with its obligations under international law.
