Feeling the Heat: Asylum Seekers at Germany's Strictened Luxembourg and Belgium Borders
Refugee's Initial Application for Asylum Denied
In the wake of the new federal government in Germany, border controls are getting a facelift. Asylum seekers might be the first ones to notice the difference.
Recently, a handful of Afghan asylum seekers, four to be exact, found themselves on the wrong side of the fence after entering from Luxembourg. According to Stefan Döhn, the Federal Police spokesman in Trier, they had previously submitted asylum applications in Greece. These unwanted visitors were identified during a bus control at the Trier Central Station, resulting in their rejection, as permitted by regulations. It's worth noting that these individuals were not part of the vulnerable groups that are typically exempt from rejections.
Starting on May 6, 2025, enhanced border controls under Alexander Dobrindt, the new Federal Minister of the Interior, have been implemented. The Black-Red coalition government intends to curb unwanted migration with additional border controls and the rejection of asylum seekers [3][4]. These measures have also been stepped up at the borders with Luxembourg and Belgium [5]. In anticipation, further personnel reinforcement from the Federal Reserve Police will arrive next week.
The Federal Police in Trier manage two stationary control stations - one on the A64 for incoming traffic from Luxembourg and another at the border with Belgium. Regular checks are carried out at various other locations within the 30-kilometer area along the borders. Despite this, there are a total of 36 border crossings to Luxembourg and Belgium in Rhineland-Palatinate [5].
Controversy and Clashes
However, the new policies have sparked criticism and tensions, particularly from Luxembourg, due to concerns about their legality and coordination within the Schengen Area [5]. Germany's stance on asylum seekers could create friction among neighboring countries and potentially pose challenges for the EU.
- Asylum Seekers
- Asylum Policy
- Germany
- Europe
- Luxembourg
- Belgium
- Black-Red
- Alexander Dobrindt
- Federal Police
- European Union
- Schengen Area
[1] ntv.de[2] hul/dpa[3] euobserver.com[4] reuters.com[5] dw.com
- Germany, under its new federal government, has strengthened border controls, specifically at the borders with Luxembourg and Belgium, to discourage unwanted migration and reject asylum seekers, as stated by Alexander Dobrindt, the new Federal Minister of the Interior.
- Recently, four Afghan asylum seekers were rejected at Germany's Trier Central Station after they were identified during a bus control and found to have previously submitted asylum applications in Greece.
- While the new asylum policy has led to increased border controls, such as stationary control stations on the A64 for incoming traffic from Luxembourg, it has also attracted criticism and tension, particularly from Luxembourg, due to concerns about its legality and coordination within the Schengen Area.
- Vocational training programs for asylum seekers, a crucial part of community integration, continue to play a significant role in Germany's approach to migration and policy-and-legislation.
