DMW advised OFWs in Europe to observe border controls in Schengen Area

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) on Thursday advised overseas Filipino workers in Europe to observe the reintroduction of border controls in the countries within the Schengen Area.

According to an advisory, Denmark, Norway, Slovenia, and Sweden recently imposed heightened border controls.

“In view of the foregoing, the public and OFWs in Europe are reminded to exercise caution in crossing borders within the Schengen Area and to always have in their possession their valid passports, visa, or residence permits, and other pertinent documents when traveling,” the DMW said.

The agency explained that the said countries imposed rigorous checks on cross-border trains, increased surveillance, more police officers stationed permanently, and the use of face recognition technology.

“Pursuant to the European Parliament and European Union Council Community Code on the rules governing the movement of persons across borders otherwise known as the Schengen Borders Code (SBC), the EU Member States are allowed to temporarily reintroduce border controls at internal borders in response to serious threats to public policy or internal security,” the DMW said. 

Aside from the countries within the Schengen Area, countries sharing borders with Switzerland have been  implementing the same policy: 

• Austria - October 16, 2024 to April 15, 2025 
• France - November 1, 2024 to April 30, 2025 
• Germany - November 12, 2024 to March 15, 2025
• Italy - June 19, 2024 to December 18, 2025

— BAP, GMA Integrated News