Bundestag introduces 10-year jail terms for gangs smuggling migrants across the Channel
Early roll-out of EU Entry/Exit System sparks queues; Germany urged to fine-tune deployment
Frankfurt and Munich airports brace for record Christmas rush; travellers urged to plan extra time
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Bundestag launches fast-track bill to recognise foreign medical degrees
A draft law debated on 18 December would impose three-month decision deadlines, fully digital applications and federal coordination for recognising foreign doctors, dentists, pharmacists and midwives. Faster licensing should ease Germany’s acute healthcare labour shortage and give employers greater planning certainty.
Parliament debates new Bundespolizei law widening border-control powers
A draft law discussed on 18 December would let the Bundespolizei use drones and facial recognition and carry out mobile identity checks up to 30 km inside Germany’s borders. The government says the measures are vital against people-smuggling; critics fear privacy and mobility impacts.
New employer duty: inform foreign staff about free legal advice from 1 January 2026
From 1 January 2026, German employers must give non-EU employees on local contracts written notice—no later than day one—of their right to free labour-law counselling. Non-compliance can draw fines up to €30,000.
Brandenburg warns of traffic chaos as Poland introduces border checks
Poland will introduce temporary border controls next week, prompting Brandenburg to warn of severe congestion at key crossings. Thousands of commuters and supply-chain deliveries between Poland and eastern Germany are likely to suffer delays.
EU co-legislators agree on stricter ‘safe third country’ rules for asylum – Germany to apply from 2026
EU negotiators finalised new criteria for designating ‘safe third countries’. From 2026 Germany will be able to declare many asylum applications inadmissible if applicants passed through or have ties to such countries, accelerating procedures.