Germany Tightens Border Controls to Curb Migration Amid Rising Concerns

Germany's government has announced tighter land border controls starting September 16 to tackle irregular migration and mitigate security threats like Islamist extremism. The move is part of Chancellor Olaf Scholz's strategy to counter opposition from far-right groups. Interior Minister Nancy Faeser emphasized the government's commitment to internal security.

Germany's government has announced plans to impose tighter controls at all land borders, aiming to curb irregular migration and protect public security, Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said on Monday. The new measures, set to begin on September 16 and last for six months, will affect the European Schengen zone.

The government has also designed a scheme allowing authorities to reject more migrants directly at German borders, a controversial move that's legally complex. This is part of a broader strategy to toughen Germany's stance on irregular migration, particularly following a surge of migrants from war-torn regions.

Chancellor Olaf Scholz's government is taking a hard line to regain initiative from far-right and conservative opposition, who are gaining voter support over immigration concerns. Recent deadly knife attacks by asylum seekers have heightened these concerns, pushing the far-right AfD party to significant wins in local elections.

(With inputs from agencies.)