Germany tightens border checks with Czechia, citing migration concerns

Travelers from Czechia heading to Bavaria will face stricter border checks following a decision by Germany’s new interior minister Alexander Dobrindt. The move, confirmed by federal police in Munich, is part of a broader effort by Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s government to curb illegal migration. Dobrindt announced that migrants seeking asylum may now be turned away at land borders and pledged to deploy thousands more federal police officers. The decision drew criticism from German business leaders and neighboring countries. Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala (Civic Democratic Party) assured the public that any resulting complications would be addressed. Interior Minister Vít Rakušan (Mayors and Independents) said the new controls should not significantly affect Czech citizens.