Germany unveils plans to tighten immigration laws to curb migrant smuggling to the UK, coinciding with Chancellor Friedrich Merz's inaugural UK visit.
Germany to Strengthen Laws Against Migrant Smuggling Ahead of Chancellor's UK Visit

Germany to Strengthen Laws Against Migrant Smuggling Ahead of Chancellor's UK Visit
New measures aim to combat human trafficking as Chancellor Merz arrives in London.
Germany is ramping up its commitment to combat human trafficking as Chancellor Friedrich Merz prepares for his first official visit to the UK. The German government will introduce stringent measures against gangs facilitating illegal migration to the UK, with additional details set to be revealed at a meeting with UK officials. This shift in policy is expected to result in laws that criminalize assisting illegal migration, particularly to post-Brexit Britain.
Current German laws permit certain forms of assistance for illegal migration to non-EU countries, including the UK. With this legislative update, German authorities will gain more tools to investigate smugglers utilizing warehouses for staging small boats intended for perilous crossings of the English Channel.
The commitment to action arises from a previous agreement made under the former government in December, but the new chancellor is poised to advance the timeline, aiming for legislative changes before the year concludes. This initiative gains momentum following a BBC probe that revealed Germany’s growing role in the illicit supply chain for Channel crossings.
Opposition leader Sir Keir Starmer welcomed Merz's pledge, emphasizing the urgency of dismantling supply channels involved in trafficking dangerous vessels. The renewed efforts arrive shortly after the UK announced a pilot repatriation scheme with France, set to return some asylum seekers while receiving others in return.
The situation is critical, as over 21,000 individuals attempted to cross the Channel this year—an alarming 56% spike compared to 2024. Criticism has arisen from the Conservative Party, which accuses Starmer of lacking effective strategies to manage border control, branding his proposals as mere distractions in light of the escalating crisis.
In addition to migration discussions, the two countries will also address defense cooperation, particularly in providing military support for Ukraine. Newly forged partnerships are expected to foster UK defense exports and introduce a UK-Germany Business Forum aimed at stimulating economic growth and job creation through significant investments exceeding £200m.