Recent data reveals a significant strain on the German Federal Police (Bundespolizei) following the intensification of border controls initiated on May 8, 2025. Responding to a query from the Green Party parliamentary group, the German government disclosed that the Federal Police accumulated approximately 2.7 million overtime hours by the end of August 2025. This figure represents a near 300,000 hour increase since April 2025 (2.42 million hours) and a rise from 2.31 million hours in September 2024.
Associated costs, encompassing overtime compensation alongside the accommodation and sustenance of deployed officers, reached approximately €29 million between April and the end of June.
Official figures indicate that the Federal Police have carried out 14,660 deportations through September 22, 2025, of which roughly 783 individuals were non-vulnerable asylum seekers from third countries. The Ministry of the Interior defines “non-vulnerable asylum seekers from third countries” as those not belonging to particularly protected groups like children, pregnant women, or individuals with health conditions.
The Green Party has voiced strong criticism, with Irene Mihalic, parliamentary group leader, characterizing the situation as a “disastrous balance sheet” and questioning the effectiveness of the intensified border controls. She highlighted the cumulative impact on Federal Police personnel, noting extensive overtime, elevated sick leave rates and escalating operational costs.
The German Police Union (GdP) echoed these concerns, with Deputy Federal Chairman Sven Hüber stating that the number of deportations and deployed officers appears disproportionate to the effort exerted and the observed results. He conveyed that operational units are grappling with a substantial surge in overtime hours.
Acknowledging ongoing pressure on personnel, Heiko Teggatz, Deputy Federal Chairman of the police union DPolG, maintained that the border controls remain manageable and necessary for the Federal Police. He emphasized that the strengthened measures have demonstrably curtailed irregular migration into Germany.