German police intercepted 6,889 people attempting to enter Germany illegally in October, according to a federal police report.
This number is similar to the figures recorded in September. Between March and August, 7,000 to 7,800 people tried to enter Germany each month without the necessary documentation. In January, police intercepted 6,889 migrants, and in February, the figure was 5,998.
Germany has been conducting border controls with Poland, the Czech Republic, Austria, and Switzerland for some time.
In September, these controls were extended to include their borders with Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg.
The extension of these controls has not resulted in an increase in interceptions; instead, there has been a slight decrease.
Germany is part of the EU’s Schengen Area, where free movement of people is allowed. In principle, no border controls are conducted, but member states can make exceptions in certain cases. These controls are then meant to be temporary, typically for up to six months, but they can be extended.
According to police statistics, 71,181 people attempting to enter Germany illegally have been intercepted this year. In the same period last year, 112,201 individuals were arrested.
Those intercepted are usually sent back unless they apply for asylum, in which case they can remain in Germany until their application is processed.
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