Germany to Curb Irregular Migration by Reinstating Border Controls
Police officers at a border checkpoint in Germany, 2024. X/ @NytheMalin
September 10, 2024 Hour: 7:40 am
This decision has raised concerns within the Dutch government over potential disruptions to trade.
On Monday, German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser ordered the reinstatement of passport checks at all land borders to curb the number of people entering the country without visas.
RELATED:
Germany’s AfD Wins First-Ever State Election in Thuringia
The move aims to curb irregular migration and address threats related to Islamist terrorism and cross-border organized crime. Germany had previously implemented border controls with Poland, Switzerland, and the Czech Republic last year to stem the flow of irregular migrants.
The decision follows a series of violent crimes in Germany, including a stabbing attack last month in the western city of Solingen that left three people dead. The suspect in that incident is a migrant from Syria.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz described the incident as “an act of terror against us all.” In response to the attack, the German government pledged to intensify its efforts to combat illegal immigration and terrorism.
Germany’s decision to impose stricter border controls has raised concerns within the Dutch government over potential disruptions to trade, Dutch newspaper AD reported.
Dutch Asylum and Migration Minister Marjolein Faber has said that while she understands Germany’s decision, clarity is needed on how the new controls will be enforced and their specific impact. Faber also emphasized the importance of ensuring smooth trade and traffic flow between the two countries.
The Netherlands and Germany share a 570-km border within the Schengen Area, where border checks are typically minimal. Meanwhile, the Dutch government is also considering stricter immigration policies. The agreement reached by the ruling four-party coalition calls for measures including enhanced border controls, as part of broader efforts to tighten immigration.
teleSUR/ JF Source: Xinhua
