Europol-led raids dismantle Schengen-airport people-smuggling ring with German support
Germany aims to raise annual quota of long-term visas for Indian professionals to 80,000, says new Berlin envoy
Bundestag begins debate on Digital Identity Wallet law to enable cross-border e-ID by 2027
Latest News
Lufthansa enters binding arbitration with pilot union in bid to end strike cycle
On 23 September Lufthansa accepted a formal arbitration framework with the Vereinigung Cockpit pilots’ union, putting all strike action on hold until mediators deliver a verdict – probably in November. The move, triggered by mounting operational and financial pressures, lowers the risk of flight cancellations for German business travellers during the busy autumn period. Companies should benefit from more reliable schedules but keep contingency plans until a final deal is signed.
German Federal Police block entry of wanted Libyan with forged papers amid intensified border checks
Federal Police at the German-Polish border refused entry to a Libyan national wanted for previous document fraud, highlighting the daily impact of Germany’s recently extended internal Schengen controls. The man carried forged driver’s licences and had no visa; after paying an outstanding fine he was returned to Poland and banned from Schengen for three years. The incident underscores the need for travellers to carry original documents and for employers to verify licence authenticity.
EasyJet cabin-crew walk-outs threaten Berlin–Portugal links during German autumn holidays
Portuguese easyJet cabin crew have announced two strike periods (2–6 Oct and 19–23 Dec), threatening about 500 flights including the carrier’s Berlin–Porto and Berlin–Funchal services. The first walk-out overlaps with German autumn school holidays, raising the likelihood of travel disruption for leisure and business passengers. Companies should prepare alternative routings and brief travellers on EU261 rights and rebooking options.
Internal Border Checks Nab Wanted Hungarian on Dutch–German Bus Route
Federal Police in Bad Bentheim arrested a 34-year-old Hungarian on an international coach from the Netherlands after database checks flagged a 2024 conviction and unpaid fine. The event illustrates how Germany’s extended internal Schengen checks are being used both to curb irregular migration and to execute domestic warrants, adding time and compliance risks for cross-border business travellers.
EU General Affairs Council Convenes Today – Berlin to Press for Rapid Asylum-Pact Roll-out
At today’s General Affairs Council in Brussels, Germany will push fellow EU ministers to lock in deadlines and funding for the Pact on Migration and Asylum. Berlin argues that rapid implementation is vital to replace ad-hoc border checks with harmonised digital procedures that would benefit companies moving staff across the bloc. HR and travel teams should watch the meeting outcome, as delays could mean prolonged internal border controls.
Morning Queues Stretch to 45 Minutes on Poland–Germany Freight Corridors
Live tracking at 09:30 CET on 22 September showed up to 45-minute truck waits at the Świecko–Frankfurt Autobahn crossing, with most Poland–Germany checkpoints reporting 27–33 minute delays for cars. Persistent, if moderate, controls continue to affect just-in-time supply chains and business travel plans.
Munich Launches Walk-In Counselling Day to Speed Up Recognition of Foreign Qualifications
Munich is piloting walk-in counselling hours on September 22 to help foreign residents navigate Germany’s complex qualification-recognition system. The aim is to reduce processing delays that keep skilled migrants from entering the labour market, a change eagerly awaited by local employers facing staff shortages.
Global Mobility Executives Gather in Frankfurt to Tackle AI, Pay Transparency and Post-Schengen Compliance
The GME Leaders Exchange Forum in Frankfurt, held on September 22, brings together senior HR and mobility professionals to exchange strategies on AI adoption, pay-transparency rules and Germany’s evolving immigration landscape. Practical compliance guidance on the Opportunity Card and extended border checks makes the event particularly relevant for companies managing cross-border staff.