Germany will maintain enhanced border checks beyond September 2025 as part of a sweeping migration policy overhaul aimed at curbing illegal immigration and reinforcing national security. The measures, led by Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt, are part of a broader strategy to balance humanitarian obligations with stricter enforcement.
Key Policy Changes
- Extended Border Controls: Germany will continue internal border checks with neighboring countries, citing the need for tighter security until the EU’s external border system becomes fully operational.
- Pushbacks and Entry Refusals: Asylum seekers without valid documentation may be turned away at the border, a move that has sparked legal and human rights concerns.
- Deportations to High-Risk Countries: Germany has resumed deportations to Afghanistan and is considering similar actions for Syria, focusing on individuals with criminal records.
Safe Country Designations and Asylum Reform
The government plans to expand its list of “safe countries of origin”, which would reduce asylum approval rates for applicants from nations such as Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, and India.
A proposed legislative change would allow the government to designate safe countries via executive order, bypassing parliamentary approval.
Suspension of Refugee Resettlement
In April, Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s administration halted Germany’s refugee resettlement program, leaving many approved refugees stranded in third countries like Kenya.
Erickson Insights & Analysis
Impact on Travelers and Migration Policy:
- Short-Term Visitors: Travelers may face longer wait times and stricter document checks, even with valid visas or ETIAS approval.
- Long-Term Migrants: Individuals returning to Germany may be subject to more rigorous scrutiny of their residence and work permits.
- EU-Wide Implications: Germany’s stance could influence other EU member states to adopt similar policies, potentially reshaping the bloc’s approach to migration and border control
Erickson Immigration Group will continue monitoring developments and sharing updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or if you have case-specific questions.
The post Germany Extends Border Controls and Tightens Migration Rules Amid Security Concerns appeared first on Erickson Immigration Group.
