Germany’s Federal Police (Bundespolizei) reported a dramatic fall in irregular migration across the eastern state of Saxony, recording 4,530 illegal entries in 2025—almost 50 % less than the previous year and an 85 % drop versus 2023. Nationwide, unauthorised crossings fell to 62,526, down from 83,572 in 2024. (welt.de)
Officials attribute the decline to the “temporary” border checks re-introduced in October 2023 at the land frontiers with Poland and Czechia and later expanded to all nine German borders. Although the Schengen Code discourages internal controls, Berlin has extended them repeatedly, arguing they are necessary to fight smuggling networks. (welt.de)
![Border Controls Pay Off: Illegal Entries into Saxony Halved in 2025, Says Federal Police]()
Whether you are relocating talent, arranging business trips, or simply trying to understand which documents to carry for cross-border travel, VisaHQ can simplify the process. The platform provides real-time visa and passport guidance for Germany and dozens of other countries, helps with e-visa applications, and keeps travellers informed about shifting entry rules—particularly useful now that ad-hoc checks are back at German frontiers. Learn more at https://www.visahq.com/germany/
For employers moving staff by car or rail the statistics are a double-edged sword: fewer clandestine crossings signal greater security, yet spot ID checks remain in place and can add 20-30 minutes to cross-border commutes from Prague or Wrocław. Non-EU assignees must carry passports and residence cards at all times, even on what used to be “virtual” borders within Schengen.
The data will likely feed the election-season debate on migration, with proponents touting controls as effective while detractors warn of permanent damage to Schengen free movement. Mobility managers should factor potential delays into ground-transport schedules and brief travellers on documentation requirements.
Officials attribute the decline to the “temporary” border checks re-introduced in October 2023 at the land frontiers with Poland and Czechia and later expanded to all nine German borders. Although the Schengen Code discourages internal controls, Berlin has extended them repeatedly, arguing they are necessary to fight smuggling networks. (welt.de)
Whether you are relocating talent, arranging business trips, or simply trying to understand which documents to carry for cross-border travel, VisaHQ can simplify the process. The platform provides real-time visa and passport guidance for Germany and dozens of other countries, helps with e-visa applications, and keeps travellers informed about shifting entry rules—particularly useful now that ad-hoc checks are back at German frontiers. Learn more at https://www.visahq.com/germany/
For employers moving staff by car or rail the statistics are a double-edged sword: fewer clandestine crossings signal greater security, yet spot ID checks remain in place and can add 20-30 minutes to cross-border commutes from Prague or Wrocław. Non-EU assignees must carry passports and residence cards at all times, even on what used to be “virtual” borders within Schengen.
The data will likely feed the election-season debate on migration, with proponents touting controls as effective while detractors warn of permanent damage to Schengen free movement. Mobility managers should factor potential delays into ground-transport schedules and brief travellers on documentation requirements.
