Germany’s Borders Get Hotter as Undocumented Travelers Are Stopped in Their Tracks!

German authorities have significantly increased their efforts to turn away people entering the country without proper documentation, according to a recent report from the Interior Ministry in Berlin. Data from the first half of 2024 shows that more than half of those attempting to cross into Germany without permission were sent back, marking a notable rise from the previous year.

In 2023, federal police—who oversee the country’s external borders—returned only 28% of those attempting to enter illegally. The new statistics came in response to a question raised by a member of the left-wing Die Linke party in parliament, highlighting the growing concerns over border control.

During the first six months of 2024, authorities recorded 42,307 unauthorized border crossings. Out of these, 21,661 individuals were turned away. This is a stark contrast to the numbers from 2023, when 127,549 people attempted illegal entry, with 35,618 being sent back.

The increase in refusals has been especially pronounced along Germany’s borders with Poland and the Czech Republic. These areas have seen a surge in attempts to cross without proper documentation, prompting the federal police to tighten controls.

Meanwhile, the number of people applying for asylum at the border has dropped. In 2023, about 45% of those who requested asylum were accepted. However, this figure dropped to just 23% in the first half of 2024, signaling a shift in asylum policies or trends at the border.

Germany’s Interior Minister, Nancy Faeser, ordered permanent checks on the country’s borders with the Czech Republic, Poland, and Switzerland in October of last year. These checks were implemented to strengthen Germany’s external security and manage the growing pressure from unauthorized entries.

Permanent border checks on Germany’s border with Austria have been in place since 2015, following the large-scale migration crisis that swept across Europe. All of these countries are part of the Schengen Area, where free movement across borders is typically allowed. However, when a country implements border restrictions, it must inform the European Commission, ensuring that such measures comply with Schengen regulations.

The sharp rise in the number of people being turned back suggests a more aggressive approach to border security this year. It remains to be seen whether these measures will continue to ramp up, especially as Europe faces ongoing debates about immigration and the Schengen Area’s future.