From January to September, 14,706 people were deported, the Ministry of the Interior revealed. In the first nine months of 2023, 12,042 people were deported.
The largest number of people were deported from Germany to Georgia, North Macedonia, Austria, Albania and Serbia.
Germany also resumed deportations to Afghanistan this summer. Deportations to Afghanistan from Germany were stopped in 2021, when the Taliban seized power in Afghanistan.
German Interior Minister Nancy Fesser recently announced that deportations to Afghanistan will continue, while an investigation into how deportations to Syria could be organized will be conducted.
In mid-September, Germany reintroduced border controls at all of the country’s land borders in an effort to curb illegal immigration, although critics say the move threatens the Schengen zone’s rules on freedom of movement.
In the first three weeks after the reintroduction of border controls at all of Germany’s land borders, police detected 13% fewer illegal border crossings than three weeks before, preliminary data show.
From September 16 to October 6, the police caught 3,464 foreign citizens who tried to illegally cross the border and enter Germany, according to the data of the Federal Police obtained by the news agency DPA.
Of these people, 2,073 were ordered by the police to turn back at the border.
From August 26 to September 15, 3,984 attempts to illegally cross the border were detected and 2,353 people were rejected at the border. They had to go back.
The German police carry out checks on Germany’s borders with France, Luxembourg, Belgium, the Netherlands and Denmark. Random checks on the borders with Poland, the Czech Republic and Switzerland have been carried out since mid-October 2023, and in the fall of 2015 such checks were also introduced on the border of Germany and Austria. However, not all travelers are screened.
Since the introduction of regular checks at the borders with Luxembourg, Belgium and the Netherlands, the number of unauthorized entries has increased, but at the border of Germany and France, where temporary checks were already carried out this year due to the European football championship in Germany, a slight decrease was observed – from 766 to 567 illegal entries cases.
All countries bordering Germany are in the Schengen free travel zone. Reintroduction of border controls in the Schengen area is only allowed in exceptional cases and Brussels must be notified beforehand.
In justifying its decisions, Germany explained that border control was conceived as a tool for limiting illegal immigration, as well as for combating Islamist terrorism and cross-border crime.
Time.news Interview with Immigration Policy Expert Dr. Emma Novak
Editor: Welcome, Dr. Novak! Thank you for joining us today to discuss the recent trends in deportations and border control measures in Germany. Let’s dive right in. The Ministry of the Interior reported that over 14,000 people were deported from Germany between January and September 2023. What do you attribute this increase in deportations to?
Dr. Novak: Thank you for having me! The spike in deportations can be attributed to several factors, including stricter immigration policies and a growing political pressure on the German government to manage immigration effectively. Additionally, the resumption of deportations to Afghanistan reflects a shift in the government’s approach following the Taliban’s takeover, as policymakers are grappling with the complexities of returning individuals to potentially dangerous situations.
Editor: Absolutely. That makes sense. Interestingly, deportations to Afghanistan had been paused since 2021. What implications do you think this resumption has for Afghan refugees in Germany?
Dr. Novak: Resuming deportations to Afghanistan can be quite alarming for many Afghan refugees who have sought safety in Germany. The country, even under the Taliban, remains fraught with violence and instability, and returning individuals to such an environment raises significant ethical concerns. Moreover, it could potentially create a chilling effect: refugees may fear deportation and thus be less likely to seek asylum or support from authorities.
Editor: That’s a critical point. We also saw that Germany has reintroduced border controls to curb illegal immigration. In just three weeks following this measure, there was a 13% decrease in illegal crossings. What does this say about the effectiveness of border controls?
Dr. Novak: The immediate drop in illegal crossings certainly suggests that re-establishing border controls can deter some individuals from attempting to enter Germany. However, it’s essential to recognize that such measures can have broader implications for the Schengen zone, particularly the fundamental principles of free movement among member states. We must also consider the longer-term effectiveness—whether this is a sustainable solution or simply a temporary fix to a more complicated issue.
Editor: Yes, the balance between security and freedom of movement is a delicate one. Additionally, Minister Nancy Fesser has mentioned organizing deportations to Syria. What challenges do you foresee in implementing such measures?
Dr. Novak: Deportations to Syria will be significantly more complicated due to the ongoing conflict and the lack of a stable government structure. Additionally, there’s the risk of human rights violations, as many of those who fled Syria may face persecution or violence upon return. Logistically, coordinating with a war-torn country poses huge challenges, and it will likely face considerable opposition from human rights organizations and activists.
Editor: Very true. What do you believe should be the focus of Germany’s immigration policy going forward to effectively address these issues?
Dr. Novak: Germany’s immigration policy should aim for a balanced approach that not only focuses on border control and deportation but also prioritizes the integration and support of refugees. Long-term solutions should include engaging in international dialogue to address the root causes of migration, investing in refugee integration programs, and ensuring that any deportations adhere to human rights standards. Ultimately, creating a compassionate and systematic approach is essential for a country that values human dignity and justice.
Editor: That’s a thoughtful perspective. Thank you, Dr. Novak. You’ve provided invaluable insight into the complexities surrounding Germany’s immigration policies and deportation practices. We appreciate your time!
Dr. Novak: Thank you! It was a pleasure discussing these critical issues with you.