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In response to increasing political pressure, German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser (53) introduced stationary border controls with Poland, the Czech Republic, Austria and Switzerland on October 16. It now seems clear that German police are “refusing migrants on a large scale” at the German-Swiss border. This is what “Welt am Sonntag” writes, which accompanied German border guards at their work in Basel. “Many people” are now being turned back at the border with Switzerland. “In addition to the eastern border, the border with Switzerland is a new hotspot for migration.”
The German border officials are apparently on duty not only at the German Badischen train station in Basel, but also on Swiss territory at the SBB train station Basel. What is happening here on Swiss soil is “remarkable,” the newspaper writes. “In fact, the federal police may only carry out checks on German territory. But since the 1960s there has been an agreement with Switzerland that also allows controls in some zones there.
“Crucial difference”
“That makes a crucial difference in practice”: when German police pick up migrants at the border, they must let them enter Germany as soon as they ask for protection. However, if the migrants can still be picked up in Switzerland, Germany can refuse them entry – even if they say ‘asylum’. Legally speaking, the procedure is “uncontroversial”. But even these border controls ultimately do not seem to have much effect.
If such migrants are apprehended by the Germans, the Swiss authorities are informed and the migrants are immediately released to the train station. It remains unclear whether they will then be taken over by the Swiss.
In Germany, there is no complaint against those turned away for unauthorized entry, nor is there a so-called entry ban. This is because the offense of attempted unauthorized entry would only be fulfilled if those affected reached German territory.
Hardly a long-term solution
This means that illegal entries are only stopped “for a short time”. Those affected will not be able to reach Germany “for the time being”. The obligation remains with Switzerland to receive and care for the migrants and, if possible, to grant them an asylum procedure.
But it is also a fact that some migrants attempt the journey several times. There are numerous train and tram connections to Germany, especially in the border area of Basel. Given the situation of police personnel and also legally, it seems hardly possible that everyone is constantly monitored. We have to turn a blind eye on both sides of the border. (kes)
Source: Blick
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
