In a press briefing on 5 May Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt announced that the cabinet is drafting a “Return Enforcement Act” aimed at removing procedural hurdles that currently delay deportations of rejected asylum seekers. Speaking to reporters in Berlin, Dobrindt said the bill will expand the use of detention pending deportation, empower police to search smartphones for identity documents and allow night-time removals in cases deemed a security risk. The planned legislation is the third pillar of the government’s tougher migration agenda, following stricter border controls and the expansion of safe-country listings earlier this year. Dobrindt claims that Germany executed 8,000 outstanding arrest warrants linked to migration offences in the past 12 months – proof, he says, that stronger enforcement works. Business lobbies are worried about collateral damage.
![Government plans fast-track deportation bill to ‘maintain migration turnaround’]()
For employers and mobile professionals trying to stay compliant amid these shifting rules, VisaHQ can be an invaluable partner. Through its dedicated Germany page (https://www.visahq.com/germany/) the platform guides users through visa and residence-permit requirements, keeps track of renewal deadlines and submits applications electronically—helping companies avoid the administrative oversights that could soon attract heavier fines.
The mechanical engineering federation VDMA warns that an overly broad definition of “identity uncertainty” could affect skilled workers waiting for passport renewals, especially from conflict regions where embassies are closed. Start-up association Bitkom fears raids on co-working spaces could deter tech talent. HR teams should expect more workplace visits from immigration authorities once the bill is enacted. Companies employing third-country nationals on the new Skilled-Worker Track should double-check that residence cards are physically on site and that address registrations are up to date; fines for administrative errors are set to rise from €5,000 to €15,000.
For employers and mobile professionals trying to stay compliant amid these shifting rules, VisaHQ can be an invaluable partner. Through its dedicated Germany page (https://www.visahq.com/germany/) the platform guides users through visa and residence-permit requirements, keeps track of renewal deadlines and submits applications electronically—helping companies avoid the administrative oversights that could soon attract heavier fines.
The mechanical engineering federation VDMA warns that an overly broad definition of “identity uncertainty” could affect skilled workers waiting for passport renewals, especially from conflict regions where embassies are closed. Start-up association Bitkom fears raids on co-working spaces could deter tech talent. HR teams should expect more workplace visits from immigration authorities once the bill is enacted. Companies employing third-country nationals on the new Skilled-Worker Track should double-check that residence cards are physically on site and that address registrations are up to date; fines for administrative errors are set to rise from €5,000 to €15,000.
