Germany’s Interior Minister Nancy Faeser (SPD) announced the expansion and intensification of border controls on Monday last week; the measure will come into force on Monday, September 16.
Accordingly, Germany will also carry out random checks at the borders with the Benelux countries, France and Denmark. Checks are already in place at the border with Austria and at the borders with the Czech Republic, Poland and Switzerland.
The aim of the expanded (and more intensive) border controls is to reduce the number of illegal entries into Germany.
However, the German traffic light coalition (SPD, Greens, FDP) has not complied with the opposition CDU‘s controversial demand under European law to also send asylum seekers back to neighboring countries directly at the border. Austria had also already lodged a protest against such rejections as a precautionary measure.
But the expansion and intensification of border controls that has now been implemented is also causing concern among the neighbours. Faeser tried to allay these concerns on Sunday. “We want to continue to push back irregular migration, stop people smugglers, put a stop to criminals and identify and stop Islamists at an early stage,” she said. “Commuters, trade and the economy should be affected as little as possible by the controls.” In an interview with “Bild am Sonntag” she promised: “No long traffic jams, just smart controls.”
The German Interior Ministry reminded all travellers and cross-border commuters to carry their identity card or passport, as is already required when crossing borders.
Via Uzbekistan to Afghanistan?
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Meanwhile, Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) signed an agreement on Sunday during a trip to Uzbekistan that is intended to facilitate the deportation of Afghan criminals from Germany to Afghanistan without Germany having to negotiate directly with the Taliban. However, it is still unclear “whether and within what time frame this will materialize,” according to government sources.
Since the end of August, Germany has again been deporting criminals to Afghanistan, which is ruled by the Islamist Taliban. The first flight with 28 people was organized with the help of Qatar.
However, criticism soon followed over the fact that the Taliban had apparently quickly released the offenders, including a man convicted of raping a 14-year-old girl, after their arrival in Kabul.
ePaper
- How are Germany’s new border controls expected to affect illegal immigration rates?
Germany Intensifies Border Controls to Curb Illegal Immigration
In a bid to reduce the number of illegal entries into the country, Germany’s Interior Minister Nancy Faeser announced the expansion and intensification of border controls, effective from September 16. The move aims to strengthen the country’s borders and prevent irregular migration, people smuggling, and criminal activities.
Expanded Border Controls
Germany will now carry out random checks at its borders with Benelux countries, France, and Denmark, in addition to the existing controls at the borders with Austria, the Czech Republic, Poland, and Switzerland. This measure is expected to help identify and prevent illegal immigration, while also combating human trafficking and organized crime.
Concerns from Neighboring Countries
However, the expansion of border controls has raised concerns among Germany’s neighboring countries. Austria had already lodged a protest against the rejections, citing European law. To alleviate these concerns, Minister Faeser assured that the controls would be smart and efficient, with minimal disruption to commuters, trade, and the economy. “We want to continue to push back irregular migration, stop people smugglers, put a stop to criminals, and identify and stop Islamists at an early stage,” she stated.
Travelers and Commuters Advised
The German Interior Ministry has reminded all travelers and cross-border commuters to carry their identity card or passport when crossing borders, as required by law.
Deportation of Afghan Criminals
In a related development, Chancellor Olaf Scholz signed an agreement with Uzbekistan to facilitate the deportation of Afghan criminals from Germany to Afghanistan, bypassing direct negotiations with the Taliban. This move comes after Germany resumed deporting criminals to Afghanistan in August, with the help of Qatar. However, the agreement has drawn criticism, with reports suggesting that the Taliban had quickly released the offenders, including a convicted rapist, after their arrival in Kabul.
Implications and Concerns
The expansion of border controls and the resumption of deportations to Afghanistan have sparked debates about the effectiveness and ethics of these measures. Critics argue that such policies may lead to human rights violations and instability in the region. Others argue that they are necessary to maintain national security and prevent irregular migration.
What This Means for Germany and the EU
The intensification of border controls is a significant step towards strengthening Germany’s borders and combating illegal immigration. However, it also raises questions about the EU’s Common Asylum Policy and the need for a more comprehensive approach to migration and asylum seekers. As the EU grapples with the ongoing migration crisis, Germany’s move is likely to have far-reaching implications for the bloc’s policies and relationships with neighboring countries.
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What are the implications of Germany’s expanded border controls on illegal immigration?
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Germany Intensifies Border Controls to Combat Illegal Immigration
In a bid to curb illegal immigration, Germany’s Interior Minister Nancy Faeser (SPD) has announced the expansion and intensification of border controls, effective from Monday, September 16. The move aims to reduce the number of illegal entries into Germany and comes amid growing concerns over irregular migration and national security.
Border Controls to be Extended to More Countries
Under the new measures, Germany will carry out random checks at its borders with Benelux countries, France, and Denmark, in addition to the existing controls at the borders with Austria, the Czech Republic, Poland, and Switzerland. The government has emphasized that commuters, trade, and the economy will be affected as little as possible by the controls, and has assured that the checks will be “smart” and not cause long traffic jams.
Cooperation with Uzbekistan to Deport Afghan Criminals
Meanwhile, Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) has signed an agreement with Uzbekistan to facilitate the deportation of Afghan criminals from Germany to Afghanistan, bypassing direct negotiations with the Taliban. The deal aims to expedite the deportation process, which has been a contentious issue in recent months. Germany has already resumed deporting criminals to Afghanistan, with the help of Qatar, but has faced criticism over the Taliban’s alleged release of offenders, including a convicted rapist, after their arrival in Kabul.
Impact on Illegal Immigration Rates
The expanded border controls are expected to have a significant impact on illegal immigration rates in Germany. By strengthening border security and increasing the number of random checks, the government hopes to deter illegal immigrants and reduce the number of asylum seekers entering the country. However, it remains to be seen how effective the measures will be in practice, and critics have raised concerns about the potential impact on legitimate travelers and trade.
Concerns Over Border Controls
The expansion of border controls has also raised concerns among Germany’s neighbors, who are worried about the potential disruption to trade and travel. Austria, in particular, has expressed reservations about the measures, citing concerns over the impact on commuters and the economy.
What Does the Future Hold?
As Germany continues to grapple with the challenges of illegal immigration and national security, the effectiveness of its expanded border controls will be closely watched. With the European Union facing ongoing migration pressure, Germany’s approach may serve as a model for other member states. However, it is crucial that the measures are balanced with respect for human rights and the principle of free movement within the EU.
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Keywords: Germany, border controls, illegal immigration, Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Taliban, Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Interior Minister Nancy Faeser, European Union, national security, human rights, free movement.
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