German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said in an interview published in today's issue of Saarbrücker Zeitung that he intends to maintain strict border controls to limit illegal migration, DPA reported, quoted by BTA.
"In general, we intend to continue to strictly control the German borders," Scholz told the newspaper. "We want to curb illegal migration, as I announced. The number should decrease," he added.
Scholz stressed the need to reduce the number of people who enter the country illegally and seek asylum without valid reasons. He also mentioned existing border controls, such as the one on the border with France during the Olympics, which should remain in place until September 30.
Permanent border controls are currently in place at the land borders with Austria, Switzerland, the Czech Republic and Poland to curb illegal migration and combat human trafficking.
Current border controls are expected to remain in place until December 15 for Switzerland, the Czech Republic and Poland, and for Austria - until November 11, Scholz said.