In a move aimed at curbing the rise of illegal migration to the UK, Germany plans to tighten its people-smuggling laws by the end of this year. This decision aligns with a new bilateral agreement between the UK and Germany, which encompasses various domains such as migration, defense, and business, during German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's inaugural official visit to the UK this Thursday. Currently, it is technically legal in Germany to facilitate illegal migration to countries outside the European Union, including the UK post-Brexit. These legislative changes are expected to empower German authorities in their investigations and actions against smugglers using warehouses to hide small boats intended for perilous crossings across the English Channel.
Germany's New Law to Combat People-Smuggling Amidst UK Visit
Germany's New Law to Combat People-Smuggling Amidst UK Visit
Germany is taking significant steps to strengthen its legislation against people-smuggling ahead of the German Chancellor’s visit to the UK.
The German government had previously agreed to amend its laws in December but is now set to finalize these changes by the end of the year under Chancellor Merz's administration. Recent BBC investigations revealed a considerable German involvement in the logistics of small boat crossings, indicating the country’s critical role in the illicit smuggling operations. In light of this, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer expressed support for the proposed legal adjustments, emphasizing the need to disrupt the supply chains facilitating dangerous crossings.
This new agreement follows the UK’s announcement of a pilot returns scheme with France, which involves a reciprocal arrangement for small boat arrivals to enhance the management of asylum seekers. The pressing issue of increasing Channel crossings has seen over 21,000 individuals embark on this treacherous journey in 2024—a stark 56% rise compared to the previous year.
In addition to immigration matters, the UK-Germany discussions will also cover defense, focusing on supporting Ukraine and enhancing defense exports, including Boxer armored vehicles and Typhoon jets. The outcome of these discussions is anticipated to yield billions in defense exports and boost job opportunities within both nations.
The visit will also introduce the UK-Germany Business Forum, aimed at promoting bilateral investments, with several commercial projects worth more than £200 million set to create over 600 new jobs across the UK, underscoring the significance of this diplomatic engagement.
This new agreement follows the UK’s announcement of a pilot returns scheme with France, which involves a reciprocal arrangement for small boat arrivals to enhance the management of asylum seekers. The pressing issue of increasing Channel crossings has seen over 21,000 individuals embark on this treacherous journey in 2024—a stark 56% rise compared to the previous year.
In addition to immigration matters, the UK-Germany discussions will also cover defense, focusing on supporting Ukraine and enhancing defense exports, including Boxer armored vehicles and Typhoon jets. The outcome of these discussions is anticipated to yield billions in defense exports and boost job opportunities within both nations.
The visit will also introduce the UK-Germany Business Forum, aimed at promoting bilateral investments, with several commercial projects worth more than £200 million set to create over 600 new jobs across the UK, underscoring the significance of this diplomatic engagement.
