Scholz Says Irregular Migration 'Numbers Have to Come Down'
In a recent interview with the Saarbrücker Zeitung, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz emphasized the need for stricter border controls to address the rising issue of irregular migration to Germany. He stated, "In general, we intend to continue strictly controlling the German borders," highlighting the government's commitment to managing migration effectively.
The Need for Border Checks
Scholz's remarks come amid growing concerns over the number of individuals entering Germany irregularly, many of whom claim asylum without valid reasons. "We want to limit irregular migration, as I have announced. The numbers have to come down," he asserted. This statement reflects a broader strategy to ensure that migration aligns with the needs of the German labor market while maintaining security at the borders.
Current Measures and Future Plans
The Chancellor pointed to existing border checks, particularly at the French border, which are in place during the Olympic Games and will continue until September 30. Additionally, German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser has ordered the reintroduction of physical checks at land borders with Austria, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, and Poland, officially registered with the European Commission. These measures aim to combat people smuggling and limit irregular migration.
Currently, checks are focused on Switzerland, the Czech Republic, and Poland until December 15, while checks at the Austrian border have been ongoing since autumn 2015. Despite the Schengen Area's principle of free movement, the tense migration situation has led several countries to reimpose checks at internal borders.
Impact of Border Controls
The Federal Police reported a significant number of unauthorized entries during the UEFA European Football Championship, with 9,172 detected between June 7 and July 19. Of these, 6,401 individuals were turned back, and 275 suspected smugglers were arrested. In the first half of the year, asylum applications decreased by about 19% compared to the previous year, indicating that additional border checks may be having the desired effect.
Conclusion
As Germany navigates the complexities of migration, Scholz's call for reduced irregular migration numbers underscores the government's dual focus on humanitarian needs and national security. While war refugees from Ukraine continue to be accepted under the EU's mass influx directive, the emphasis remains on ensuring that those entering Germany do so through legitimate channels. The ongoing border checks and measures reflect a proactive approach to managing migration in a challenging landscape.