Since the beginning of 2024, the German government has significantly tightened entry requirements for Ukrainian citizens. According to the German newspaper Bild, more than 5,900 Ukrainians have been refused entry at the border, becoming the largest group of foreigners to be denied entry. These new measures are a response to the increase in illegal migration and other risks at the border, forcing Ukrainians to face new difficulties when crossing the German border.
Enhanced border control measures
The German Federal Police has stepped up checks at the land borders, especially controlling entry for crime, extremism and illegal migration. This approach includes document checks, a thorough analysis of information about the background of people crossing the border, and denial of entry to those who do not meet the new requirements.
- The position of Ukrainians in the list of those denied entry
- According to statistics, Ukrainians were in first place among foreigners who were denied entry. They are followed by Syrian nationals with 4,708 refusals and Afghans with 2,396 cases.
- Detention of deported migrants
- In 2024, the police also detected 1,482 deported migrants who attempted to re-enter Germany despite the entry ban. This situation further exacerbates the issue of security and control at the German borders.
Statistics on border violations and illegal entries
Control measures have been particularly intensified on Germany’s borders with Switzerland, Poland, Austria and France. The highest number of violations was recorded at the border with Switzerland – 9,113 people, 7,862 at the border with Poland, 5,468 at the border with Austria and 2,350 at the border with France.
- Attempts at illegal entry
- In the first nine months of 2024, 53,410 attempts at illegal entry were recorded. The police detained 1,195 smugglers and detected 1,088 cases of smuggling. This shows that Germany is facing serious challenges in securing its borders and, as a result, is introducing stricter rules for anyone trying to enter the country.
- Detention for outstanding arrest warrants
- Between January and September 2024, police also detained 7783 people with outstanding arrest warrants. This applies to both minor violations (unpaid fines) and serious crimes, further highlighting the need for stricter border controls.
Proposal of a new status for Ukrainian refugees
German Finance Minister Christian Lindner has proposed to change the legal status of Ukrainian refugees in order to reduce the burden on social benefits and facilitate their integration into the labour market. According to Lindner, the new status will allow for better integration of Ukrainians into German society and economy, which could have a positive impact on both sides.
- Reduction of social benefits
- The change in the status of Ukrainian refugees will help reduce the amount of social benefits aimed at supporting newcomers, which will be economically beneficial for Germany and encourage Ukrainians to adapt to the local labour market faster.
- Integration into the labour market
- Simplified access to the labour market will make it easier for Ukrainians to find a job and become a full-fledged part of German society, which will also help them integrate more easily into their new country.
Tightened border controls and new requirements for Ukrainian citizens, as well as potential changes in refugee status, reflect new challenges for Ukrainians in Germany. While the increased checks may cause difficulties for those trying to enter the country, the Finance Minister’s proposal to change their legal status creates new opportunities for integration.
