Border Control Initiation Unhampered by Federal Police Concerns - Border Control Operations Remain Smooth, According to Federal Authorities
In response to a surge in undocumented migrants moving from Belarus through Poland and onward into Germany, the German government reinstated border checks with Poland in October 2023. This move was part of broader efforts to curb irregular migration across Europe, as political pressure and public concern over migration grew domestically, straining relations with Poland.
The random border checks, conducted by German authorities at select points along the border, focus on vans, vehicles with multiple passengers, and cars with tinted windows. These measures are designed to target suspected human trafficking and prevent unauthorized entry into Germany.
Simultaneously, the center-left government in Warsaw ordered controls on its side of the border, in response to the German border checks. These controls, currently ongoing and scheduled to last until August 5, aim to stop irregular migration.
Despite the border checks, there has been no congestion towards Germany, according to the Federal Police, and traffic in Poland appears to be flowing freely, as reported by a spokesperson in Görlitz. So far, Poland has not turned anyone away at the border.
The border controls have led to bilateral tensions, with Poland accusing Germany of pushing back intercepted migrants back across the border, a practice Warsaw considers unjust. The issue remains a political flashpoint and has contributed to a broader European trend of reintroducing temporary border controls within the Schengen zone to address public concerns over migration.
The random border checks between Germany and Poland are intended to limit irregular migration, especially from the Middle East via Belarus and Poland, and to respond to rising anti-immigrant sentiment and domestic political pressures in both countries. The controls are scheduled to last until August 5 on both sides, but may be extended depending on the situation.
- The German employment policy, in response to the surge in undocumented migrants, is focusing on border checks, particularly targeting vans, vehicles with multiple passengers, and cars with tinted windows, to prevent unauthorized entry and combat suspected human trafficking.
- The lifestyle and travel of individuals in the community are being affected by the prolonged border checks between Germany and Poland, as both countries aim to address growing concerns over irregular migration, contributing to a broader European trend of reintroducing temporary border controls.
