Starting May 6, 2025, Germany will enforce stricter border controls and also limit the number of asylum applications.
The incoming Chancellor of Germany, Friedrich Merz, argues that asylum seekers should apply for protection in the first European Union country they enter, “that is almost never Germany”, Schengen.News reports.
Among the measures, according to a report from Info Migrants, will be intensified identity controls at German borders as well as the immediate rejection of those attempting to reach the country in an irregular way.
Frei said that all those attempting to reach Germany in an irregular way must be stopped at the border from May 6. In addition, he said that the practice of turning migrants away at the border is also planned in a bid to better deal with irregular migration.
The new government said that the new policy is in line with the current EU law, which requires asylum seekers to apply for protection in the first EU country they enter.
No one can apply for asylum in the country of their choice. According to European law, this must happen where someone enters the European Union for the first time. That is almost never Germany.
The decision sparked controversies among people in Germany. The chair of the SPD’s Working Group on Migration and Diversity, Aziz Bozkurt, told Info Migrants that planned border controls are unlawful and counterproductive.
If I really want to keep right-wing extremists down, then I have to solve the real problems, and that’s not happening.
Border Controls to Remain Effective
In the coalition agreement published on April 9,2025, it was emphasised that border controls must be kept in place.
Authorities in Germany have introduced several measures in a bid to deal with irregular migration and enhance national security.
In addition, back then, Merz unfolded plans to further tighten policy by expanding digital surveillance capabilities.
Germany reintroduced border controls with all neighbouring countries in September 2024, in a bid to better manage irregular migration.
The outgoing German Chancellor, Olaf Scholz, said that controls would remain effective until September 15, 2025.
Such a decision was not unanimously welcomed in Germany nor among its neighbouring countries, however, it is considered necessary by German authorities.
The German Minister of the Interior, Nancy Faeser, said that controls are still necessary. Faeser argued the decision is in line with EU law.