Germany To Impose Tighter Controls On Its Land Borders After Knife Attacks by Asylum Seekers

Germany has announced plans to tighten controls at all its land borders starting September 16, 2024. Interior Minister Nancy Faeser announced that the move was made to curb irregular migration and strengthen internal security. It will last six months and affect borders with countries like Austria, Poland, France, and the Netherlands. This marks a shift in Germany’s traditionally open borders under the European Schengen zone.

The decision reportedly follows a rise in public concerns over security, fueled by recent knife attacks by asylum seekers. The Islamic State claimed responsibility for an attack in Solingen in August, which killed three people. The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party gained support after campaigning heavily on immigration issues, even winning a state election in Thuringia earlier this month.

The new measures are expected to act as a deterrent, but according to Reuters, experts predict it may lead to more returns to other European countries. Austrian Interior Minister Gerhard Karner has already responded to the announcement by stating that Austria will not accept migrants turned away at Germany’s border.

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