In a significant shift in Germany's immigration policy, Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU) has announced stricter border controls effective immediately. Just hours after taking office, Dobrindt ordered the Federal Police to enhance their scrutiny at all German borders, marking a departure from previous policies that allowed asylum seekers entry even without proper documentation.
According to reports from BILD, the new measures will enable authorities to turn away all individuals attempting to enter Germany without permission, including those seeking asylum. This directive is part of the CSU's campaign promise for "stricter border controls" and "more rejections at the borders," underscoring a hardline approach to immigration.
On May 7, 2025, Dobrindt verbally instructed the Federal Police to increase their presence and enforce these new rules. The current workforce of approximately 11,000 officers will see an increase of 2,000 to 3,000 personnel, as reported by Der Spiegel. These additional forces are expected to be deployed along Germany's nearly 4,000-kilometer external border, ready to implement the new controls.
"Stricter border controls and more rejections at the borders are necessary to maintain our national security," Dobrindt stated, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. The Federal Police Union has echoed this sentiment, calling for more staff to manage the increased workload that comes with heightened border security.
This policy reversal also includes the formal annulment of a previous directive issued in 2015 by former Interior Minister Thomas de Maizière (CDU). Under that directive, third-country nationals without residence permits who presented asylum requests were allowed entry into Germany. Dobrindt's new instructions effectively end this practice, which had been in place during a time of significant refugee influx.
"After 3,533 days, we are ending the suspension of applicable law at the German land borders," Dobrindt remarked, referring to the long-standing policy that permitted entry to asylum seekers under specific conditions. His announcement comes as Germany faces ongoing debates about immigration and asylum policies, particularly in light of the recent influx of migrants.
The political landscape in Europe is also shifting, with neighboring countries like France expressing support for Germany's new stance. French President Emmanuel Macron commented on the situation during Chancellor Friedrich Merz's inaugural visit to Paris, stating, "We want to protect our borders. That is a very important goal for both of us." This collaboration highlights a broader European trend toward reinforcing national borders amid rising migration concerns.
As of October 2023, Germany had already implemented border controls with Poland, the Czech Republic, and Switzerland. These measures had been extended to include borders with Denmark, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg, reflecting a growing trend of increased vigilance in border security across the continent.
Statistics from the Federal Police reveal that, up until the end of April 2025, 10,302 individuals had been turned away or pushed back at the borders in connection with illegal crossings. This figure underscores the challenges authorities face as they attempt to manage migration effectively while adhering to new policies.
Many within the police force have raised concerns about the potential for overload as they adapt to the increased demands of the new regulations. Union representatives have warned that the added pressure on officers could lead to burnout and decreased effectiveness in border enforcement.
The coalition agreement between the governing parties stipulates that asylum rejections should occur "in coordination with our European neighbors." However, there is ambiguity regarding whether this coordination will require formal agreements or simply notifications to neighboring countries. As the situation develops, it remains to be seen how these new policies will interact with existing European frameworks for asylum and migration.
In conclusion, Dobrindt's immediate actions signify a pivotal moment in Germany's approach to immigration and border security. As the new policies take effect, the implications for asylum seekers and the broader European migration landscape will be closely monitored by both supporters and critics of the measures.
