Germany tightens border controls, sending more migrants to Poland, raising concerns for both migration and cross-border business.
Rising Number of Migrants Returned to Poland
Since October 2023, around 4600 migrants have been returned to Poland by German authorities, according to a report by Bild. This number is expected to increase as Germany tightens border controls starting September 16, 2024.
Impact on Poland and Migrants
Poland could see a rise in the number of migrants, despite not being the source of the migration flow. Marcin Przydacz, former Deputy Foreign Minister of Poland, warned that Germany’s actions could leave Poland handling more migrants from various directions, complicating the situation further.
Concerns of Polish Businesses
Polish entrepreneurs, particularly near the German border, are concerned about the negative impact on business. Hanna Mojsiuk, President of the Northern Chamber of Commerce, expressed disappointment over the restrictions, stating that cross-border cooperation, once a strong point for the region, has been weakened. First affected by the pandemic, the region now faces further challenges due to permanent border checks.