Germany Shifts Immigration Policy: Stronger Border Controls and Deportation Efforts

In 2025, Germany has implemented significant changes to its immigration policies, focusing on reducing irregular migration and enhancing border security.

1. Increased Border Controls

Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt announced a 45% rise in expulsions at Germany's borders, following intensified police checks aimed at curbing irregular migration. Between May 6 and May 13, 739 individuals were denied entry, up from 511 the previous week. While vulnerable groups are still permitted to apply for asylum, the government is focusing on stopping smuggling networks that exploit migrants with false promises of access to Germany’s welfare system. 

The new government, led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, has officially ended former Chancellor Angela Merkel's 2015 "open door" migration policy. Migrants without valid documentation are now being turned away at the borders. Exceptions are made for vulnerable groups such as children and pregnant women. To enforce this, Germany plans to add 3,000 border police officers, bringing the total to 14,000. The policy change also includes planned deportations to Syria and a suspension of family reunifications. 

3. Expansion of Border Checks

Germany has expanded border controls to all nine of its neighbouring countries, including France, Belgium, and Denmark, in an effort to stop irregular migrants. The measures include temporary structures at land crossings and spot checks by federal police. These controls are expected to be in place for an initial six months.

4. Bilateral Migration Agreements

Germany is negotiating migration agreements with several countries, including Georgia, Moldova, Kenya, Colombia, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan, to facilitate the return of irregular migrants. These agreements aim to strengthen cooperation on migration and reduce the number of new asylum applications. 

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❓ FAQs

Q1: What is the new policy regarding undocumented migrants at Germany's borders?

Germany's new policy mandates that undocumented migrants are turned away at the borders. Exceptions are made for vulnerable groups such as children and pregnant women. The government plans to add 3,000 border police officers to enforce this policy. 

Q2: How has the number of expulsions at Germany's borders changed recently?

Between May 6 and May 13, 739 individuals were denied entry at Germany's borders, a 45% increase from the previous week. This rise follows intensified police checks aimed at curbing irregular migration. 

Q3: What are the new border control measures in Germany?

Germany has expanded border controls to all nine of its neighbouring countries, including France, Belgium, and Denmark. The measures include temporary structures at land crossings and spot checks by federal police. These controls are expected to be in place for an initial six months. 

Q4: Is Germany negotiating with other countries on migration issues?

Yes, Germany is negotiating migration agreements with several countries, including Georgia, Moldova, Kenya, Colombia, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan, to facilitate the return of irregular migrants and reduce the number of new asylum applications.

Q5: What is the government's stance on asylum seekers?

While the government is focusing on reducing irregular migration, it still allows vulnerable groups, such as children and pregnant women, to apply for asylum. The government emphasizes stopping smuggling networks that exploit migrants with false promises of access to Germany’s welfare system.