Shoring Up Border Security: Dobrindt's Alleged Proposal of 12-hour Shifts for Border Forces
Border guard shifts could potentially be extended to 12 hours, as per Dobrindt's plans.
Germany's new Interior Minister, Alexander Dobrindt of the CSU, is taking measures to strengthen border controls, according to reports. The Federal Police force at the border may see a comprehensive overhaul, with a possible doubling of riot police units and the addition of mobile control and surveillance units.
These changes, if confirmed, could significantly bolster the current force of 11,000 officers, potentially enabling an increase in the number of control points currently around 50. But, what's not certain yet is the proposed 12-hour shifts for border guards, a detail that remains unverified.
Dobrindt's announced initiatives align with a shift towards a tougher stance on immigration, as he aims to reduce illegal migration and fortify the country's borders.
Key Elements of Dobrindt's Border Control Strategy
- Permanent Border Controls: Dobrindt is planning to establish long-term border controls with Poland, Austria, and France, targeting illegal migration and boosting the number of border rejections[3].
- Strengthened Border Staff: Reports suggest that the government intends to add "several thousand more employees" to the existing force, aiming to improve border control efficiency[3].
- Strict Asylum Policies: Dobrindt has outlined increased border refusals and a harsher implementation of "refoulement"—turning away migrants—especially at crucial crossing points like the Austrian border[4].
- Review of Refugee Programs: The new minister is considering a review and potential suspension of voluntary refugee resettlement programs, as suggested by the cancellation of a charter flight carrying refugees just prior to his inauguration[5].
Context and Impact
- Policy Shift: Dobrindt’s appointment marks a turn towards stricter asylum regulations, tighter border controls, and a tougher approach to deportations[1][2].
- Operational Details: The sources emphasize staff increases and stricter enforcement, yet fail to provide specifics about shift lengths, such as 12-hour shifts for border guards.
Summarized Key Measures
| Measure | Details ||-------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------|| Permanent border controls | With Poland, Austria, France || Increased border staff | Several thousand additional officers planned || Stricter migrant rejections | More "refoulement" at key border points || Review of refugee programs | Voluntary resettlement programs under review/suspension || Shift details (12-hour shifts) | Not explicitly mentioned in available sources |
While Dobrindt’s strategy has clear implications for border control, it's still premature to confirm the 12-hour shift proposal for border guards, as the information isn't yet substantiated in available sources[3][4][5].
- Dobrindt's community policy includes plans for permanent border controls with Poland, Austria, and France, aimed at reducing illegal migration and increasing border rejections.
- The CSU minister's employment policy includes the addition of several thousand more employees to border staff to improve border control efficiency.
- In Dobrindt's policy, stricter asylum policies are outlined, including increased border refusals and a harsher implementation of "refoulement" at crucial crossing points.
- The new minister is considering reviewing and potentially suspending voluntary refugee resettlement programs, as suggested by the cancellation of a charter flight carrying refugees.
- The operational details of Dobrindt's strategy, including the proposed 12-hour shifts for border guards, have not been fully substantiated in available sources, leaving the specifics unclear.
