November witnessed a remarkable reduction in unauthorized entries into Germany, with the German Interior Minister relying on strict border controls to stem the tide. Nevertheless, the Federal Police remains skeptical, attributing this change to actions taken by neighboring countries and casting doubt on any connection to border controls.
According to the Federal Government, the Federal Police recorded a substantial decrease in unauthorized entries at land borders between November 1st and the 23rd, with a total of 4,353 instances detected and 2,299 refoulement orders issued. This figure pales in comparison to the 18,384 instances recorded in October, the majority of which occurred during the initial half of the month. A glance back at previous years reveals that November 2021 saw a relatively low number of entries (7,543) compared to November 2020 (12,538).
Border control locations indicated a decrease across multiple zones. For example, stationary controls at the German-Austrian border, instituted since October 16, 2015, also registered a decline in unauthorized entries.
While the decrease in unauthorized entries appears promising, the German Police Union (GdP) raises concerns about the working conditions of federal police officers responsible for border checks. Issues include inadequate lighting systems, poor heating in control shelters, and insufficient resources.
Competition among smuggling organizations could potentially play a role in the decline, suggesting a "temporary special effect." However, these networks are expected to adapt and devise new methods to bring people to Germany.
CDU politician Alexander Throm underlines that border controls are not a magical solution. Returning rejected asylum seekers becomes crucial to avoid inadvertently providing incentives. He proposes that non-EU transgressors who have already applied for asylum elsewhere should not receive aid or assistance with return expenses.
Germany's border controls are poised to extend beyond December 15th, with Chancellor Olaf Scholz announcing their continuation at the borders with Poland and the Czech Republic. Critics, however, argue that this implementation violates EU law and merits scrutiny.
As border security debates continue, police officers tackling border control operations grapple with unfavorable working conditions, from insufficient lighting to primitive control shelters.
Additional Factors (Enrichment Data): The reduction in unauthorized entries at German borders can be attributed to a combination of factors, including stricter border control measures and neighboring countries adopting more stringent border protection initiatives. Studies conducted around this time suggest that these factors contributed to a broader strategy aimed at controlling migration.
Furthermore, the implementation of mandatory mobile screening devices led to the detection of the foot-and-mouth disease virus in November 2022, prompting even stronger border measures.
The German government emphasizes legal migration paths as part of its strategy to eliminate irregular migration, aiming for a more humane approach to migration policy.
International politics, particularly the rise of populism in Europe, has led to harsher border security policies that often prioritize security over human lives, resulting in more perilous journeys for migrants seeking asylum or better economic opportunities.
