Germany's Efforts to Abolish Migrant Boat Loopholes Face Uncertainty

Sat Oct 25 2025 09:19:23 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Amid growing doubts, Germany's plan to introduce stricter laws against small-boat smuggling is facing potential delays, leaving UK officials concerned about the implications.

Germany's initiative to amend its laws related to migrant smuggling may not proceed as planned by the end of 2025, raising concerns among UK officials. While the German government acknowledges a need for stricter regulations, complications in the parliamentary process could hinder timely action. This comes as France also steps back from commitments to curb small boat crossings in the English Channel.

Germany's Efforts to Abolish Migrant Boat Loopholes Face Uncertainty

There are growing doubts that Germany will tighten its laws this year to make it easier to prosecute small-boat smugglers, the BBC has learned.

Facilitating people-smuggling is not technically illegal in Germany if it is to a third country, which the UK is after Brexit. Germany has agreed to close the loophole by the end of 2025.

However, the Interior Ministry in Berlin has indicated that it merely intends to introduce the bill to the German parliament, or Bundestag, by that date, without guaranteeing a timeline for final approval.

A spokesperson declined to comment on the urgency of the timeline, but noted that the federal government loses control over the parliamentary process once a bill is agreed upon by the cabinet.

Concerns are growing among UK officials regarding the timeline given that there are only a few weeks left in the Bundestag's calendar for this year. The Home Office has not received any official communications about delays from Berlin, yet some staff within the Bundestag suggest the proposal may not be a government priority.

Adding to the complexity, France appears to be backing away from its recent commitment to enforce greater interventions at sea to prevent small boat crossings.

The UK's Labour government is facing pressure to demonstrate that international collaboration and deals with other countries can effectively combat small boat crossings.

A BBC investigation last year revealed how Germany was utilized as a storage hub for smugglers' boats used in illegal crossings into the UK.

Germany's plans envision broader criminal liability for cross-border human smuggling, yet confirmation of cabinet approval for these changes remains unverified.

Chancellor Friedrich Merz previously indicated that a quick legislative change could follow after summer recess, boosting hopes for increased collaboration with the UK.

As lawmakers deliberate these changes, frustration is anticipated within the UK government, which has long urged Germany to tighten its rules regarding people smuggling.

Any delay in this legislative process could undermine the UK’s pledge to significantly act against smuggling gangs.