Germany Tightens Border Controls Amid Surge in Asylum Seekers

Germany has announced plans to extend controls to all its land borders and tighten asylum seeker regulations in a bid to reduce irregular migration. This new policy marks a significant shift from its previous open-door stance. The move is seen as both a response to strained public services and a political strategy ahead of upcoming elections.

Germany has announced plans to extend controls to all its land borders and tighten regulations on asylum seekers this week. The decision marks a significant shift from its previous open-door policy, aiming to curb irregular migration.

The new controls, set to begin on September 16 and last for six months, will affect the European Schengen zone's wide area of free movement. They include tougher implementation of EU asylum rules and detaining asylum seekers while determining whether Germany is responsible for processing their cases.

Analysts suggest that the policy is motivated both by the strain irregular migration has placed on public services and by political considerations ahead of state and federal elections. Neighboring countries have reacted with mixed sentiments, with some calling for urgent consultations and others downplaying the impact.

(With inputs from agencies.)