Bumping Up Borders: Dobrindt's Alleged New Shift Policies for Frontier Patrol
Border guards may be assigned to work 12-hour shifts, as suggested by Dobrindt's plan.
Get ready for a shakeup at Germany's borders. Alexander Dobrindt, the freshly-minted Interior Minister and CSU bigwig, is reportedly cookin' up some changes to beef up border control. And according to recent chatter, it looks like our reliable border patrol squads could be pulling double-duty, working 12-hour shifts, if the grapevine is to be believed.
Here's what we know so far.
Tightening the Border Screw
The sparks are flying over Dobrindt's proposal to ramp up border controls. Rumor has it that the number of Federal Reserve Police units stationed at the border could soon double, with a possible increase from six to twelve battalions.
To further boost the ranks, mobile control and surveillance units are said to be on the way, based on rumors swirling around a secret telephone conference between Dieter Romann, head honcho at the Federal Police Office, and his commanders shortly after chancellor's inauguration. But, it's worth mentioning that neither Dobrindt nor the Federal Police Office has confirmed these reports.
12-Hour Shifts: Just a Rumor?
The talk of thePatrol Town is the prospect of 12-hour shifts for border officers. If true, this would significantly beef up the current force of about 11,000 officers, opening the door for an expansion of control points from roughly 50 to who-knows-what.
Take this rumor with a grain of salt, though. Official confirmations about the shift structure are hard to come by, with discussions around bolstering the workforce and uptick in refusals taking center stage. If the 12-hour shift plan is legit, it's probably aimed at keeping border patrol around the clock, given the projected increase in personnel and the permanent nature of the control measures.
Policy Shift: Think Tougher Asylum Rules and "No Docs, No Entry"
Dobrindt's announced plans are part of a broader trend toward more stringent asylum policies and a harder line on migration - a campaign promise of the new ruling coalition. Expect to see a shift away from the 2015 rule that allowed undocumented third-country nationals to gain entry to Germany, with a stronger emphasis on rejecting applicants and deporting those without papers.
International and Domestic Mixed Feelings
News of Dobrindt's border control measures has sparked controversy both at home and abroad. Poland, for one, has expressed concern over potential delays and disruptions in border traffic and the smooth functioning of EU markets. Meanwhile, the new government sees stricter border controls as a key security and migration management strategy, signaling a broader rightward swing in German politics.
Sources:- ntv.de- mpe/dpa
Enrichment Data:
Latest reports detail Alexander Dobrindt’s announced plans for strengthening German border controls and the impacts on border guard operations following his appointment as interior minister in the new coalition government. Here are the key points:
Key Elements of Dobrindt’s Border Control Plan
- Permanent Border Controls: Since May 6, 2025, Germany has introduced permanent border controls with Poland, Austria, and France. This is aimed at reducing illegal migration and ensuring a higher number of entry refusals, though Dobrindt has clarified there are no plans to close borders entirely.
- Increased Force Size: The government plans to increase the number of border police officers. Currently, about 11,000 officers are deployed at the borders. The plan is to add several thousand more, with some sources specifically mentioning up to 3,000 additional officers, bringing the total to around 14,000.
- Tougher Entry Policy: Dobrindt has rescinded the 2015 order that permitted undocumented third-country nationals to enter Germany. Now, entry will be refused for those lacking proper documentation, and there will be a stronger focus on deportations.
- Migration Policy Shift: The new measures are part of a broader pivot toward stricter asylum rules and a tougher stance on migration, which was a central campaign promise of the governing coalition.
Details on 12-Hour Shifts for Border Guards
There are widespread discussions about increasing operational capacity at the borders, but the specific details on implementing 12-hour shifts for border guards have not yet been officially confirmed in the latest public sources. Reports focus instead on bolstering the overall force size, increased rejection rates, and the political intention to strengthen border enforcement.
If 12-hour shifts were to be introduced, this would likely be part of an effort to maintain round-the-clock border vigilance, especially given the planned increase in personnel and the permanent nature of the new controls. However, official documentation or confirmation regarding the shift structure has not been published in mainstream sources as of now.
International and Domestic Reactions
- Poland: Warsaw has criticized the move, citing complications for daily border traffic and the functioning of the EU internal market.
- Domestic Policy: The new government sees stricter border controls as essential for security and migration management, reflecting a broader rightward shift in German politics.
- The reinforcement of community policy and employment policy will likely be necessary to accommodate the potential increase of 3,000 border guards, as part of Dobrindt's border control plan.
- Polish officials have expressed concerns over potential delays and disruptions in border traffic due to Dobrindt's reported tougher migration policies and increased border controls.
- Dobrindt's new employment policy may result in border guards working 12-hour shifts, increasing operational capacity and maintaining round-the-clock border vigilance, a measure that may be particularly relevant with the addition of thousands of officers.
- The announcement of stricter asylum rules and "No Docs, No Entry" policy by Dobrindt is indicative of a broader rightward shift in German politics and signifies a specific focus on stricter migration management strategies.
