What's happened
On May 7, 2025, Germany's new conservative government, led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, announced stricter border controls and a crackdown on irregular migration. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt revealed plans to increase border police and reject asylum seekers at the borders, reversing previous policies from 2015.
What's behind the headline?
Key Points of the New Policy
- Stricter Border Controls: The government plans to increase the number of border police to 14,000, with up to 3,000 additional officers deployed.
- Rejection of Asylum Seekers: Asylum seekers will be rejected at the borders, with exceptions for vulnerable individuals.
- Political Context: This policy shift aligns with the conservative bloc's pre-election promises and reflects growing public sentiment against immigration.
Implications
- Impact on Migrants: The new measures will likely lead to increased difficulties for asylum seekers and could result in higher rejection rates.
- Political Ramifications: This policy may further polarize the political landscape in Germany, potentially benefiting far-right parties like the AfD.
- Regional Effects: The changes could strain relations with neighboring countries, particularly Poland, as Germany seeks to manage migration more strictly.
What the papers say
According to Al Jazeera, the new government under Chancellor Friedrich Merz has lifted a 2015 order allowing entry to undocumented migrants, marking a significant policy shift. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt emphasized that the government aims to send a clear signal about changing migration policies. In contrast, Bloomberg highlights the importance of maintaining the EU's Schengen area, with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk stating that Poland will not accept Germany's plans to send back migrants. This reflects the tension between national policies and EU agreements. Politico reports that Dobrindt's statements indicate a gradual implementation of stricter controls, aiming to reduce excessive demands on Germany's immigration system.
How we got here
The shift in Germany's migration policy follows a rise in support for far-right parties and public concern over immigration. The new coalition government, formed after the February elections, has committed to reducing the number of migrants entering the country.
Go deeper
- What are the implications for asylum seekers?
- How will this affect Germany's relationship with Poland?
- What led to this policy change?
Common question
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What are the recent changes in migration policies in Germany and the UK?
Recent shifts in migration policies in Germany and the UK have sparked significant public interest and debate. As governments respond to rising concerns over illegal migration and asylum costs, understanding these changes is crucial for asylum seekers and the general public. Below, we explore the latest developments and their implications.
More on these topics
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Friedrich Merz is a German lawyer and politician. A member of the Christian Democratic Union, he served as a Member of the European Parliament from 1989 to 1994 and was elected to the Bundestag from 1994 until 2009, where he chaired the CDU/CSU parliament
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Alexander Dobrindt is a German politician of the Christian Social Union of Bavaria. Between 2013 and 2017, he served as Federal Minister of Transport and Digital Infrastructure in the government of Chancellor Angela Merkel.
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The European Union is a political and economic union of 27 member states that are located primarily in Europe. Its members have a combined area of 4,233,255.3 km² and an estimated total population of about 447 million.