Germany Implements New Border Policy: First Asylum Seekers Turned Away

The newly formed German government has initiated a significant shift in its border policy. In a recent development, migrants attempting to apply for asylum at German borders have been turned away by the Federal Police due to unauthorized entry. This marks the first implementation of the policy announced by the Interior Minister.

On Wednesday, Alexander Dobrindt, the Federal Minister of the Interior, revealed plans to reject asylum seekers at the border under specific conditions. In response, the number of Federal Police officers deployed has increased from 11,000 to 14,000. According to reports, the Federal Police recorded a total of 365 unauthorized entries at borders over the past Thursday and Friday, resulting in 286 individuals being turned back. Among them were 19 who had submitted asylum applications. The primary reasons for these rejections included the absence of valid visas, possession of forged documents, or existing entry bans.

Neighboring countries have expressed discontent regarding the new border orders, with particular criticism stemming from Poland. Additionally, there is opposition within the coalition government, particularly from the Social Democratic Party (SPD), concerning these stringent measures. Dobrindt's decree also stipulates that certain vulnerable groups--such as children, pregnant women, and individuals with health issues--are exempt from these returns, allowing a few migrants to enter Germany.

The initial outcomes from the implementation of this border policy have been notable. In the first two days, 14 human traffickers were temporarily detained, and 48 outstanding arrest warrants were executed. Law enforcement officials also apprehended nine individuals linked to extremist groups attempting to cross the border. A high-ranking official from the Interior Ministry confirmed the effectiveness of Dobrindt's directive.

Since the introduction of temporary border checks at all land borders within the Schengen area on September 16, 2024, the Federal Police have reported preventing 33,406 unauthorized entries by the end of April 2025. This included the immediate refusal or deportation of 21,393 individuals attempting to cross the border illegally, alongside the prevention of entry for 1,247 individuals due to existing entry bans. In addition, 835 human traffickers have been arrested, and 4,723 arrest warrants have been executed during this period.

The number of initial asylum applications in Germany has also seen a significant decline. In the first quarter of 2025, there were 36,000 applications filed, which is a decrease of 30,000 compared to the same period in the previous year. The shift towards stricter border controls aligns with Chancellor Friedrich Merz's campaign promises to reject refugees at the borders from day one of his administration, citing Germany's proximity to safe EU countries where asylum processes should be conducted.