Luxembourg will challenge Germany’s extended border controls in the EU. Home Affairs Minister Léon Gloden called the measure “absurd” and said it harms cross-border commuters.

Germany’s Interior Minister Nancy Faeser defends the checks, citing reduced irregular migration. If renewed in April, Luxembourg will appeal to the EU Commission. Meanwhile, Germany faces protests over stricter immigration laws.

CDU leader Friedrich Merz pledged permanent border controls and tougher entry rules. Since September 2024, Germany has turned away 43,500 people, including 49 Luxembourgers. Critics argue the controls violate Schengen principles and disrupt daily travel between the two nations.

Over 6,000 visa violators were arrested in January after the UAE’s amnesty ended on December 31. Authorities conducted 270 inspections under the campaign "Towards a Safer Society." Deportation is underway for 93% of those caught.

Officials warn that inspections will continue. The grace period from September to December allowed violators to legalize their status or leave without a ban. Employers and landlords face heavy fines for aiding violators.

Those working without a proper sponsor face imprisonment, deportation, and a permanent ban. Officials stress that visa renewal procedures are already simple and no new measures are needed.

IRCC’s backlog fell to 942,300 applications by December 31, 2024, a 6.38% drop from November. This is the first time since June that the backlog is below one million. Permanent residence applications saw a 59% processing rate within service standards.

Temporary residence applications faced delays, with a 75% backlog in visitor visas. Citizenship applications had an 83% processing rate. IRCC aims to reduce the backlog through lower immigration targets and automation.

However, planned job cuts raise concerns about delays. The suspension of parent and grandparent sponsorships may also help manage the backlog. Future impacts remain uncertain.