Germany’s newly formed government under Chancellor Friedrich Merz has officially reversed Angela Merkel’s open-border policy by ordering the immediate rejection of undocumented migrants at the country’s borders. As reported by The Times UK, Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt has dismantled a 2015 order that permitted mass entry of asylum seekers, many fleeing conflicts such as the war in Syria.
The move fulfills a core campaign promise by Merz’s CDU/CSU alliance to impose strict immigration controls in response to growing public concerns and a rise in violent incidents involving migrants. The decision comes amid a significant political shift, with the far-right AfD doubling its vote share in February and currently polling on par with the ruling coalition.
To enforce the new border policy, the German government plans to expand its federal police force by deploying an additional 3,000 officers—bringing the total to 14,000. Asylum seekers arriving from neighboring countries, all classified as “safe,” will now be turned back at the border unless specific exceptions apply, such as children or pregnant women. While the measure is legally controversial, Dobrindt argues it is permissible under asylum law.
“This is about clarity, resoluteness, and control,” said Dobrindt. “Illegal immigration numbers remain significantly too high.”
The policy marks the latest in a series of tough immigration measures. In 2024, the German government ceased providing benefits to asylum seekers who had passed through another EU country under the Dublin Regulation. Previously, only undocumented migrants who had not applied for asylum were rejected at the border. Under the new policy, broader rejections are authorized in coordination with neighboring countries.
Merz, speaking in Warsaw alongside Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, emphasized the importance of discouraging both irregular migrants and smuggling networks. “We must send a clear signal that these routes will become more difficult — and eventually closed altogether,” Merz said.
The Swiss government swiftly criticized the German move, calling the pushbacks a potential violation of international law and lamenting the lack of prior consultation. Switzerland’s Justice Minister Beat Jans has requested a bilateral meeting over the issue.
Germany’s tougher stance reflects growing tension across Europe over immigration, with many governments facing domestic pressure to tighten border control. Merz’s approach is expected to set a precedent as the EU continues grappling with migration and asylum reform.
