Czech Republic, Poland, and Austria Introduce Border Controls with Slovakia Due to a 1000% Surge in Illegal Migration

Tonight, the Czech Republic has implemented temporary selective checks along its entire border with Slovakia due to a 1000% increase in illegal migration, according to Spravy.

These checks will be in place until October 13, 2023, with the possibility of extension based on the border's current situation. Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala announced this on social media.

"As of midnight, we are implementing selective border controls with Slovakia. We are coordinating this measure with Poland, which is introducing similar controls, Slovakia, and other neighbouring states," stated the Czech Prime Minister.

He justified this action by citing the rise in the number of illegal migrants entering the EU, emphasizing that the Czech Republic takes this situation seriously and is actively combating smugglers and human traffickers.

In the initial phase, the Czech police will deploy around 130 officers at 27 crossing points, primarily at border directorates. Foreign police officers will also be involved in the operation.

According to Slovakia's Prime Minister, Ludovit Odor, addressing illegal migration requires a comprehensive European solution at external borders.

"As soon as a country starts protecting its border more, it creates a cascading effect, and we all pay for it, and the result is very unclear," he added.

Later, Poland and Austria also announced the introduction of temporary border controls with Slovakia.

Austrian Interior Minister referred to this as a necessary measure to effectively combat smuggling groups and illegal migration.

"Checks will occur randomly along the entire length of the border with Slovakia to minimize disruption to cross-border traffic and passengers," explained the Austrian Minister of the Interior.

The goal of these controls is to deter smugglers from using alternative routes through Austria. Vienna will conduct these checks in coordination with Prague and Warsaw.

Poland's Minister of the Interior, Mariusz Kaminski, stated that Poland is implementing border controls with Slovakia for ten days, starting at midnight, with the possibility of extension.

Currently, the Czech Republic is in contact with Slovakia, Austria, and Germany regarding this issue.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of the Interior is urging people to undergo the checks with understanding and goodwill.