Recent government statistics reveal that nearly one-fifth of individuals turned away at Germany’s strengthened border controls are Ukrainians, according to Euractiv.
The figures shed light on a surprising trend amid the ongoing migration debate. The data, requested by the Die Linke (Left) party showed that Ukrainians accounted for 19.1% of rejections at German borders since August 2023, making them the second-largest group after Syrians (19.8%).
The finding is unexpected, as Ukrainians fleeing war are generally entitled to protection and temporary residence in any EU country under the Temporary Protection Directive. They are also permitted to travel freely within the Schengen area for leisure purposes.
However, the statistics suggest that many Ukrainians are attempting to relocate to Germany from other EU countries where they have already been granted protection, often without obtaining the necessary permissions.
The data covers a period in which Germany significantly intensified border checks with neighbouring EU countries, including Poland, Czechia, Switzerland, and Austria. The controls, reintroduced despite the border-free Schengen agreement, have led to a sharp rise in rejections. In 2024 (up to November), approximately 45,000 people were turned away at German borders, up from 35,618 the previous year, even as the number of registered illegal arrivals decreased.
The German interior ministry cited attempts by Ukrainians to relocate covertly or without proper authorisation as a key reason for the high rejection rate. Additionally, some Ukrainians were denied entry due to insufficient documentation for touristic travel within the Schengen area, which certain EU countries of residence require.
Political and social implications
The issue has sparked a national debate about the generous unemployment benefits offered to Ukrainian refugees in Germany compared to other EU countries. The Christian Democrats (CDU/CSU), who are leading in the polls ahead of the upcoming election, have pledged to reduce these benefits post-election to encourage employment among refugees.
Critics accuse the CDU/CSU of violating EU law by proposing to indiscriminately turn away all illegal arrivals, including asylum-seekers. Clara Bünger, a Die Linke MP, criticised the current approach.
This completely ignores the fact that border forces are already rejecting people on a huge scale. The migration debate has become completely divorced from reality.
As Germany grapples with such challenges, the debate over migration policies and border controls is likely to remain a focal point in the upcoming election, with significant implications for both domestic politics and EU-wide cooperation on refugee issues.
