In recent reports from Bild am Sonntag, the German Federal Police have noted a significant increase in the number of illegal migrants attempting to cross the country’s borders, with Ukrainians being the most frequently denied applicants. Between January and September 2024, authorities turned away 5,935 Ukrainians, marking a substantial rise compared to prior years. Following Ukrainians are migrants from Syria and Afghanistan, with 4,709 and 2,396 rejections respectively. Illegal attempts are defined as crossings made without a valid residence permit, and rejections may occur if entrants are unregistered asylum seekers or are already prohibited from re-entering. This trend reflects not only the ongoing challenges of managing migration but also the changing dynamics of who is seeking asylum in Germany.
The total number of illegal entry attempts detected by the Federal Police in Germany during the same period reached 53,410. Notably, the Swiss border has seen the highest number of rejections at 9,113, followed by the Polish border, where authorities turned away 7,862 individuals. Other affected borders include Austria and France, which recorded 5,468 and 2,350 rejections respectively. Furthermore, the government is grappling with the issue of deported migrants attempting to re-enter the country, having identified 1,482 such cases. This scenario underscores the persistent and complex nature of migration issues Germany faces, highlighting disparities in regional enforcement of border controls.
Since the onset of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine in February 2022, Germany has emerged as a primary refuge for those fleeing the war. As of June 2024, nearly 1.1 million Ukrainian migrants have settled in the country, while Poland has taken in approximately 960,000. In contrast, Russia has recorded over 5.3 million Ukrainian arrivals. Beyond Ukrainian migrants, Germany has been open to refugees from other crises across the Middle East and Africa, with over 2.67 million newcomers in 2022 and 1.93 million in 2023. This influx represents Germany’s role as a central destination for those seeking asylum within the European Union.
In response to the escalating challenges posed by rising migrant numbers, the German government has recently tightened border controls for a minimum of six months. This decision indicates a proactive approach to migration management, with random checks being introduced at border crossings with Denmark, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, and France. Such measures expand the existing control systems already implemented at Germany’s borders with Poland, the Czech Republic, and Switzerland. This reflects a broader trend in European politics concerning immigration and border security, as nations implement stricter measures to manage their borders amid rising numbers of asylum seekers.
The extensive scrutiny brought on by these actions has raised questions regarding the effectiveness and humanitarian implications of stringent border controls. While the government aims to curb illegal crossings, concerns persist about the impact on vulnerable groups such as refugees fleeing conflict. Germany’s ongoing acceptance of asylum seekers from diverse backgrounds, alongside its attempts to manage increased border traffic, creates a complex landscape of migration policy that straddles security concerns and humanitarian obligations.
Overall, the evolving situation regarding illegal migration in Germany is emblematic of broader trends within Europe, where shifts in geopolitical dynamics, such as the war in Ukraine and conflicts in the Middle East, continue to shape migration flows. The increasing numbers of rejected applicants at Germany’s borders indicate a rising tension between maintaining national security and providing asylum, a challenge that will require continuous balancing as both regional and global migration patterns evolve in the coming years.
