Maintaining Control over Border Access Remains Our Priority
Germany has extended its internal border controls beyond September 2025, marking a significant shift in migration policy within the Schengen Area. This decision, announced by Alexander Dobrindt, the Federal Interior Minister, comes as a response to the increasing number of irregular migrants seeking entry into the country.
The extension of border controls, initially introduced in May 2025, includes fixed border posts with all nine neighboring countries. This move has led to refusals of entry for irregular migrants, even those seeking asylum, causing tension with the Schengen Area’s principle of free movement. Neighboring countries and opposition parties within Germany have expressed backlash against these stricter measures.
Regarding deportations, Germany has announced plans to increase expulsions of irregular migrants to Afghanistan and Syria, despite concerns over the dangerous security situations in these countries and criticism from human rights advocates. The coalition government, however, emphasizes the enforcement of migration rules as a priority.
The impact on the Schengen Area, particularly on Germany’s neighbors, is significant. Poland, for instance, has also extended temporary border checks through early October 2025. The enforcement of fixed German border posts has caused delays and traffic congestion at various crossing points, complicating daily cross-border travel for work and education.
Financially, the border controls are costly for Germany, with expenses over €80 million so far in 2025 due to personnel costs and border station operations. Opposition parties like the Left and Green parties label these strict controls as illegal under EU law.
In addition to the extended border controls, Germany is also planning further deportation flights to Syria. The federal government considers these deportations necessary to return people who cannot and should not stay in Germany. However, the security situation in Syria remains precarious, even after the fall of Bashar al-Assad, adding another layer of complexity to the issue.
The Islamic Taliban took over power in Afghanistan in August 2021, further complicating matters for Germany and other countries in the Schengen Area. Despite this, Germany has organized a second chartered plane to deport 81 Afghan criminals to their home country. The first chartered plane for deporting Afghan criminals was sent in mid-July.
In summary, Germany’s policy extends and intensifies border controls and deportations, marking a departure from Schengen norms. This policy shift has sparked legal, political, and humanitarian controversies domestically and regionally within the Schengen Area.
- The extension of Germany's border controls, initially implemented in May 2025, and the proposed increase in deportations of irregular migrants to Afghanistan and Syria are part of the country's evolving policy-and-legislation on migration.
- The intensification of border controls and the focus on enforcing migration rules has sparked backlash from neighboring countries, opposition parties within Germany, and human rights advocates, creating a heated general-news debate within the Schengen Area.
