Dobrindt as new Interior Minister: Tougher course in asylum policy!

Dobrindt as new Interior Minister: Tougher course in asylum policy!

On July 18, 2025, Alexander Dobrindt assumed his role as Germany's new Interior Minister and is bringing a breath of fresh air to German migration policy. Known as a former hardliner in the CSU, he is now required to master a complex challenge that is not entirely foreign to him. Dobrindt, who grew up in Bavaria and served in the Bundestag for over 20 years, is planning major changes in migration policy that will affect not only Germany but all of Europe. Talks about tightening European migration policy are currently taking place on the Zugspitze, where he organized an event to determine this course. As the NZZ reports, the new federal government is pursuing a rapid approach to tightening the rules.

The final plan envisages that migrants without valid documents will be turned away at the borders. Close coordination with neighboring countries such as Poland, the Czech Republic, Austria and Denmark is also sought in order to better get the challenges at the European external border under control. Dobrindt will also hold talks with the Taliban to establish deportations to Afghanistan. These latest developments show that the federal government is pursuing a consistent course in migration policy, which he also expressed in a critical debate with the traffic light coalition, which, in his opinion, did not put enough pressure on this issue. Loud Augsburger Allgemeine A “Zugspitz Declaration” is expected that sets out concrete measures and points to control the migration dynamics.

Asylum policy in sight

With the necessary measures, Dobrindt wants to ensure that rejected asylum seekers can be deported more quickly and easily. Furthermore, a system is being sought to prevent refugees from applying for asylum in several countries at the same time. These new measures seem to be having an effect: in May and June the number of asylum applications at the borders fell by almost 50% compared to the previous year. Nevertheless, Dobrindt emphasizes that this decline will not solve the existing problems, and criticism from organizations such as Pro Asyl should not be long in coming, as they warn against a policy of isolation.

It's not just German migration policy that's being discussed at the moment; Border security and a regulated migration system are also discussed in connection with the new treaty between Germany, Great Britain and Northern Ireland. These approaches could have far-reaching consequences for migration policy across the EU, especially since Germany issued the largest number of EU Blue Cards in 2023 - a total of 69,000, which is 78% of all cards issued. These figures refer to highly qualified people from non-EU countries, such as European Union website explained in detail.

An experienced political career

Dobrindt is not new to the game of politics. He grew up in Peissenberg and has always attracted attention in his past roles, for example as general secretary of the CSU and as transport minister. During his time as transport minister he was confronted with the failed introduction of a toll for foreigners, but his experiences will help him gain a foothold in his new office. Dobrindt presents himself calmly and calmly in his current role, a clear contrast to his previous, louder appearance as party chairman.

The coming months will show how Dobrindt's strategy works in migration policy and whether it brings the hoped-for successes. In any case, he will be the focus not only in his own country, but also at the European level. It remains to be seen how the various actors will react to this course.