World Immigration News

German migration crackdown puts spotlight on illegal Ukrainian immigration

Release Date: 2025-02-13
Media: EURACTIV
Summary: Increase in Ukrainian Nationals Denied Entry at Germany’s Borders – Government Data

Germany’s tightened border controls have led to nearly one-fifth of those denied entry being Ukrainian, according to government statistics obtained by Euractiv. This is surprising, as Ukrainians fleeing Russia’s invasion are generally entitled to protection and temporary residence in any EU country and can travel within the Schengen area.

Data requested by the far-left party Die Linke shows that since August 2023, 19.1% of those turned away at Germany’s borders were Ukrainian, second only to Syrians (19.8%). This comes as Germany significantly increased border checks with Poland, Czechia, and Switzerland in October 2023, expanding existing controls at the Austrian border. By September 2023, all remaining borders were also subject to checks.

As a result, the number of people refused entry surged to approximately 45,000 in 2024 (until November), up from 35,618 the previous year, even as the overall number of illegal arrivals declined. One key reason behind the high number of rejected Ukrainians is that many attempt to relocate from other EU countries where they have already been granted protection.

Germany’s Interior Ministry cited such unauthorized relocation attempts as a reason for refusal. Additionally, some Ukrainians lack the extra documentation required for touristic travel within the Schengen area by certain EU countries.

The issue of border rejections is a contentious topic in Germany’s election campaign. The CDU/CSU, leading in the polls, has pledged to reduce welfare benefits for Ukrainian refugees to encourage employment. Critics argue that their proposal to turn away all illegal arrivals, including asylum seekers, violates EU law.

Left-wing MP Clara Bünger criticized the debate, stating that border forces are already rejecting people on a large scale, and that “the migration debate has become completely divorced from reality.”
Tags: GERMANY

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