Schengen, Temporary Checks & Suspensions — Impact on Workers

In 2025, free movement within the Schengen Area faces serious challenges. Rising migration pressure, major events, and increased security threats have led EU countries to frequently reinstate temporary internal border controls. What does Schengen border controls 2025 mean in practice? How do temporary internal border checks affect Asian and African workers who legally work in Europe?

We analyzed how decisions by Germany and Spain are changing the game for businesses, logistics, and legal employment in Europe. Read on to learn how to adapt to the new rules and reduce risks to your operations.

How Temporary Checks in Schengen Work

Legal Basis

Under the Schengen Borders Code, each member country can temporarily restore border checks at internal borders if national security or public order is at risk. This applies not only to terrorism threats but also major events, migration influxes, or emergencies (e.g. pandemics, natural disasters).

Duration Limits

To prevent misuse, the Code strictly limits how long checks can last:

What It Means in Practice

For companies legalizing and transporting workers across Europe, this means:

• ❗ Potential border delays — workers may face extended checks or questioning

• 📡 Must constantly monitor transit countries' border policies

• 🔁 May need to reroute transport if a country reinstates controls suddenly

These changes require businesses to adapt logistics and administrative processes, especially those involving non-EU workers.

Impact on Logistics & Workforce Mobility

Temporary internal checks don't just slow down people—they directly affect business efficiency. The most affected sectors are logistics companies and employers hiring workers from Asia and Africa.

Delays & Extra Costs

• Checkpoint queues at road, rail, and air borders

• Transport delays leading to schedule disruptions

• Rising costs due to driver wait times

• Rerouting requiring new permits and coordination

• Risk of contract breaches if delivery or worker arrival is delayed

Seasonal Workers

Sectors like agriculture, construction, or processing—where workers from India, Bangladesh, or Sri Lanka are common—face:

• Transit delays due to border checks

• Additional paperwork requirements — visa and purpose documentation

• Income loss for both employers and workers from shortened work periods

Psychological & Adaptation Challenges

Workers may feel uncertain about:

• Whether they’ll pass through checkpoints smoothly

• Which documents to carry — work permits, visas, passports, etc.

• How to act during checks, detention, or refusal at borders

Conclusion

Temporary checks in Schengen are a new reality that affects logistics and employee mobility. Businesses should plan routes with time to spare, follow the updates of the European Commission and prepare seasonal workers in advance - from documents to instructions on how to pass the control.

GLW helps you adapt to the new conditions: paperwork, logistics, support - everything is under control. Contact us to work steadily even in times of border instability.