Germany has announced it will turn asylum seekers away from its borders as part of a raft of new measures to curb illegal migration agreed by the nation's future government of conservatives and centre-left Social Democrats. The new rules will see asylum seekers refused entry at Germany's land borders.

It comes as Germany’s incoming chancellor, Friedrich Merz, promised a “repatriation offensive” against illegal immigrants. The coalition deal, finalised this week, includes a raft of pledges aimed at restoring economic confidence, boosting defence spending and tightening immigration controls. Mr Merz said: “Germany will suspend family reunifications for many migrants, designate more ‘safe countries of origin’, and launch a return offensive for rejected asylum seekers."

In a significant move, he confirmed the country will also start turning people back at its borders – in coordination with neighbouring states.

Berlin appears poised to act swiftly under a broad-ranging deal that still requires final approval by party members.

The coalition will also roll back parts of Germany’s recent citizenship law reform, scrapping the option for some applicants to fast-track naturalisation after just three years.

Alongside the new migration strategy, Mr Merz aims to revitalise the EU’s largest economy.

He plans to incentivise investment, reduce the size of the federal administration, and slash taxes on electricity and corporate profits. He also committed to meeting NATO’s defence spending target, promising to strengthen Germany’s commitment to its allies.

Referring to US President Donald Trump, Mr Merz said: “Germany is back on track.”

He added: “We will bring the European Union forward.”

The United Kingdom continues to face significant challenges concerning migrant arrivals, particularly across the English Channel.

In the first quarter of 2025, provisional Home Office figures recorded 5,847 such arrivals, surpassing the 5,435 documented during the same period in 2024.

This increase of approximately 36% compared to the previous year underscores the persistent nature of the issue.

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