As of May 8, 2025, Germany has implemented stricter border regulations, allowing police to refuse entry to asylum seekers directly at border crossings. This significant shift in migration policy was announced by the new Minister of Internal Affairs, Alexander Dobrindt, who described it as a "turn in migration policy." The aim is to reduce the number of asylum seekers arriving in Germany through other EU countries, particularly those who have already applied for asylum in those nations.
In the initial days following the enforcement of these new rules, police ramped up controls at borders with Poland, France, Austria, and Switzerland. An additional 3,000 personnel were deployed to the existing force of 11,000, and shifts were extended to 12 hours to ensure enhanced scrutiny of individuals attempting to enter the country.
At the border with France in Saarbrücken, armed officers are now checking every suspicious vehicle. An officer involved in these checks commented on the situation, stating, "It shouldn’t be here," referring to a migrant without proper documentation who was detained on the first day of the new policy. Meanwhile, residents of the French town of Stiring-Wendel expressed their frustration over the situation, complaining that Germany is returning migrants to France, which they also do not want to accept. One local resident lamented, "We don’t want these people here," highlighting the growing tensions surrounding the issue of migration.
Further inspections are taking place at the border with Switzerland in the Weil am Rhein area, where even tram passengers are being scrutinized. During one such inspection, a passenger was detained under an international warrant and subsequently handed over to Swiss authorities. However, Switzerland has criticized Germany's approach, with the Swiss Federal Department of Justice and Police stating, "Systematic refusals violate current law." This criticism underscores the complexities and potential legal ramifications of Germany's new border policies.
At the Austrian border, checks have intensified as well, affecting buses, cars, and trucks. A notable incident involved a young Kurd named Alparslan, who was denied entry due to a lack of a visa and subsequently sent back to Kufstein by train. Along with him, six other individuals were also turned away, including Syrians, Palestinians, two Ukrainians, and two Albanians. The German police have noted that the additional personnel have bolstered their capacity to conduct thorough inspections. "We can check everyone entering more carefully," a police spokesperson stated, emphasizing the increased vigilance at the borders.
This tightening of border controls follows a broader trend that began in October 2023, when Germany introduced new checks at its borders with Poland, the Czech Republic, and Switzerland. The ramifications of these policies are already evident, as the number of refusals at the German border surged to 45,000 in 2024, compared to 35,618 refusals the previous year. The migration issue has been a central theme in Germany's political landscape, especially during the recent election campaign.
Germany's shift in migration policy has also led to a notable decline in its status as a destination for asylum seekers. For the first time in many years, Germany has lost its leading position among countries receiving the most asylum applications. In February 2025, the French newspaper Figaro reported that France, according to Eurostat data, had surpassed Germany in the number of asylum applications received, with France recording 13,065 applications compared to Germany's 12,775.
The impact of these changes is being felt not just within Germany but across Europe, as neighboring countries grapple with the flow of migrants being redirected away from Germany. The situation is prompting discussions about the responsibilities of EU member states in managing asylum seekers and the potential need for a more unified approach to migration across the continent.
As the situation continues to evolve, the implications of Germany's stricter border controls will likely be scrutinized both domestically and internationally. The balance between national security and humanitarian obligations remains a contentious topic, as countries navigate the complexities of migration in an increasingly interconnected world. The coming months will be critical in determining how these policies will shape the future of migration in Europe and the broader implications for asylum seekers seeking refuge from conflict and persecution.