In a significant shift in immigration policy, Germany’s new government has introduced stricter border controls, fulfilling a key campaign promise of Chancellor Friedrich Merz. This move comes after Merz, the leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party, was elected chancellor on his second attempt, following a failed initial confirmation vote in parliament. Merz had pledged to turn back illegal migrants at the border on his first day in office, and it seems he is wasting no time in putting this promise into action.
Newly appointed Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt has signed an order banning asylum applications at all land borders, effectively reversing a 2015 directive issued by then-Chancellor Angela Merkel. Merkel’s open-door policy during the 2015-2016 refugee crisis allowed over a million migrants to enter Germany, but it was later met with fierce criticism and labeled “disastrous” by some. Dobrindt has instructed the head of the Federal Police, Dieter Romann, to disregard the 2015 directive, and police have been told to turn people away directly at the border, with exceptions for vulnerable groups such as children, pregnant women, and others.
While Germany will not be closing its borders entirely, the new approach aims to significantly tighten control. The minister has announced plans to add 2,000 to 3,000 officers to the current 11,000-strong federal police force stationed at the borders. Dobrindt emphasized that the new approach should not place excessive demands on neighboring states and confirmed that consultations are already underway with those countries. Germany shares a 3,700km-long land border with nine countries, including Poland, Austria, France, and the Netherlands, all of which are part of the EU’s Schengen Zone.
Migration remains a highly divisive issue in Germany, with local authorities often warning that the number of asylum seekers is straining their budgets. The right-wing Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, known for its strong anti-immigration stance, was recently designated a “confirmed extremist entity” by the domestic intelligence agency BfV, which stated that the party’s activities could threaten Germany’s democratic order. As the EU’s largest economy, Germany continues to be the top destination for asylum seekers, receiving over 237,000 applications in 2024, which accounted for a quarter of all applications across the bloc.
The introduction of stricter border controls marks a significant shift in Germany’s immigration policy, one that is likely to have far-reaching implications for the country and the EU as a whole. As the government navigates this new approach, it will be important to balance the need to control borders with the need to protect vulnerable groups and ensure that the rights of asylum seekers are respected. With consultations already underway with neighboring countries, it remains to be seen how this new policy will play out in practice. One thing is certain, however: Germany’s new government is taking a firm stance on immigration, and this move is likely to be closely watched by governments and asylum seekers alike.
