Chancellor Olaf Scholz reaffirms Germany’s commitment to strict border controls as part of ongoing efforts to combat irregular migration and reduce asylum seeker numbers.
In a recent interview with the newspaper Saarbrücker Zeitung, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz emphasized the government’s intention to maintain strict border controls to address irregular migration. While acknowledging the necessity and desirability of labor migration, Scholz stressed the need to reduce the number of individuals entering the country irregularly and without valid asylum claims.
“We want to limit irregular migration, as I have announced. The numbers must come down,” Scholz stated, highlighting the government’s commitment to managing migration flows more effectively.
This stance comes at a time when Germany, like many European countries, is grappling with the complex challenges of balancing humanitarian obligations, labor market needs, and public concerns about migration. In 2022, Germany received approximately 244,132 asylum applications, a significant increase from previous years, putting pressure on the country’s reception and processing systems.
Current border control measures
The Chancellor’s comments come in the wake of temporary border controls that were implemented during the recent UEFA European Football Championship held in Germany. These controls, which ended last week, were part of a broader security strategy for the high-profile international event.
Scholz also pointed to ongoing controls at the French border, which will remain in place until September 30, coinciding with the Olympic Games in Paris. These measures reflect the increasing use of temporary border controls within the Schengen Area to manage specific security concerns and migration pressures.
Moreover, Germany continues to maintain stationary controls at its land borders with Austria, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, and Poland. These long-standing measures, aimed at limiting irregular migration and combating human trafficking, are currently scheduled to remain in effect until various dates later this year:
- Until December 15 for Switzerland, Czech Republic, and Poland
- Until November 11 for Austria
These dates are subject to potential extensions based on ongoing assessments of migration trends and security needs.
Germany’s approach to border control is part of a wider European debate on migration management. The European Union has been working on reforming its asylum and migration policies, with proposals for a new Pact on Migration and Asylum currently under discussion.
The EU’s efforts aim to create a more comprehensive and coordinated approach to managing migration, including stronger external border controls, faster asylum procedures, and more equitable distribution of responsibilities among member states.
Challenges and criticisms
While Scholz’s stance on strict border controls aligns with efforts to manage migration flows, it has faced criticism from human rights organizations. These groups argue that such measures can potentially infringe on the right to seek asylum and may lead to pushbacks at borders, violating international law.
Additionally, some economic experts point out that Germany’s aging population and labor shortages in key sectors necessitate a more open approach to migration. The challenge lies in striking a balance between addressing these economic needs and managing public concerns about irregular migration.
