Berlin admits it lost track of thousands of short-term visa workers
Lufthansa launches cabin-refit programme for German Airbus A320 fleet
Europe-wide weather and strike chaos slows German airports, warns industry tracker
Latest News
WELT TV highlights visa-expiry blind spot in German migration oversight
A 21 February WELT TV report says neither the Federal Police nor the Interior Ministry reliably capture whether low-skilled foreign workers leave Germany after their visas expire, raising questions about the efficacy of forthcoming EU Entry/Exit registers.
Germany Activates Nationwide Digital Visa Portal for Skilled Workers
Germany’s Federal Foreign Office confirmed on 20 February 2026 that its fully digital skilled-worker visa portal is live worldwide, slashing average processing times from 66 to 27 days. The system lets employers and foreign talent complete every immigration step online and integrates directly with HR and relocation tools. Faster, paper-free processing is expected to boost Germany’s competitiveness for global talent and cut administrative costs for companies.
Berlin Extends Internal Border Checks to 15 September 2026 Amid Migration Debate
Germany confirmed on 20 February that it will prolong passport checks at all land borders until 15 September 2026, citing smuggling and secondary-movement concerns. The decision affects road, rail and coach traffic with nine neighbouring countries and obliges companies to brief travellers on potential delays and documentation requirements.
Government Defends Integration-Course Budget, Pledges €1 Billion for 2026
Interior-Ministry officials told journalists on 20 February 2026 that €1 billion remains allocated to integration courses this year, rebutting rumours of drastic cuts. Although capacity will be trimmed to pre-2022 levels, the BMI insists language and civic classes will stay available for migrants with a long-term status—important news for companies onboarding foreign hires.
Frontex Reports 60 % Drop in Irregular EU Border Crossings; Germany Prepares for Full EES Go-Live
On 20 February, Frontex said January irregular crossings into the EU dropped 60 % year-on-year. Berlin credits tighter external surveillance and the biometric Entry/Exit System, which will be fully operational at German borders by April. Businesses should plan for slightly longer processing times as EES enrolment expands.
EU Floats 5-Year-Plus Schengen Visas for Trusted Travellers in New Strategy
Leaked details of the EU’s forthcoming visa strategy—reported on 20 February—suggest multiple-entry Schengen visas could be extended beyond five years for low-risk frequent travellers. German industry welcomes the idea as a boon for international suppliers and clients, but the scheme will be tied to stricter digital monitoring under EES.