Germany is expected to pass tougher laws on human trafficking later this year, coinciding with Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s first official visit to the United Kingdom.
Downing Street previewed the announcement—framed alongside proposals for new Anglo-German cooperation on migration, business, and defence—which is set to be finalised during Merz’s visit on Thursday, July 17th.
Under current German law, facilitating illegal immigration outside the EU is not considered a criminal offence. The proposed legal change builds on an initiative introduced by Merz’s predecessor..
Germany plays a central role in distributing the large inflatable boats used in illegal Channel crossings. The new legislation could allow arrests and prosecutions of traffickers to begin as early as January 2026. While Prime Minister Keir Starmer will likely tout the move as a migration success, critics may view it as another symbolic gesture—similar to his limited returns agreement with France.