- Berlin's Federal Police Projects Anticipate Over 6,500 Unauthorized Entry Incidents by 2024
Unauthorized crossings from overseas into Brandenburg and Berlin are still prevalent this year, as per the Berlin Federal Police Department's reports. The figures have surged dramatically, leaping from around 8,400 in 2021 to 15,000 in 2023. These numbers are akin to those recorded in 2024 up until July, where 6,547 unauthorized crossings were detected. However, the most substantial monthly figures have typically been noted in the autumn months, implying a potential further rise.
A significant portion of these border breaches involve refugees moving towards Germany along the infamous 'Belarus route'. Russia's President Vladimir Putin and his associate, Alexander Lukashenko, Belarus' leader, have been accused by Poland and the EU of intentionally aiding individuals from conflict zones to illegally enter the EU since 2021. This is presumably achieved through the issuance of visas and logistical support. The journey commences in Belarus before traversing the EU's external border into Poland.
As suggested by previous updates from the Federal Government and the Federal Police, the majority of people who entered Germany without authorization via Belarus in the past year and the initial half of 2024 were Afghans, with Syrians coming in second. Other nationalities represented included Somalis, Indians, Iranians, and Yemenis. A considerable number of these travelers lack any forms of documentation.
In October 2023, Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser (SPD) ordered temporary border checks at Poland, Czech Republic, and Switzerland's borders. These checks have been extended on numerous occasions since then.
The EU has expressed concern over the increase in unauthorized crossings from Belarus, with a majority of these individuals being Afghans and Syrians. The EU, along with Poland, has accused Russia and Belarus' leaders of aiding conflict zone individuals to illegally enter the EU.
