Germany Implements Increased Border Controls to Combat Human Trafficking
Germany will be intensifying its border controls with Poland and the Czech Republic in an effort to combat human trafficking. The move comes as the country faces increasing debates over its migration policy, particularly due to a surge in asylum applications.
To address this pressing issue, German police will be conducting additional checks and mobile controls along smuggling routes at the borders. The measure has received support from Polish and Czech authorities, who are working together to tackle the issue of human trafficking.
The German Interior Ministry is also considering implementing fixed controls along the borders, although it is unsure whether these will be temporary or permanent. Until now, Bavaria was the only part of Germany with stationary border controls.
Immigration has become a hot topic in Germany, particularly due to key regional elections in Bavaria and Hesse. In response to the increased focus on migration, the Interior Ministry has decided to postpone its intake of migrants coming via Italy under a European solidarity plan.
Germany is urging countries on Europe’s borders to better protect and apply procedures laid down by Brussels. The German Office for Migration and Refugees has reported a significant increase in asylum applications, with over 204,000 applications registered between August and January. This represents a staggering 77% increase compared to the previous year. Additionally, the German Federal Police recorded a nearly 60% increase in illegal entries into the country during the same period.
The influx of migrants has overwhelmed local governments and municipalities, who are struggling to cope with the growing numbers. The German Association of Towns and Municipalities has voiced concerns about the financial burden placed on municipalities, stating that they should not bear the costs alone.
The presence of irregular refugees has also had an impact on sports facilities. Gymnasiums, already strained due to the ongoing pandemic, now have limited capacities for activities as they accommodate migrants.
The migration crisis continues to intensify on Europe’s borders, with Germany taking measures to address the issues at its borders with Poland and the Czech Republic. By implementing heightened controls and urging neighboring countries to uphold procedures set by Brussels, Germany aims to combat human trafficking and manage the increasing numbers of asylum applications.
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