Germany's border crackdown finds broad popular support, survey shows

New measures to turn away asylum seekers at Germany's borders have met with broad approval, a survey found on Wednesday.

The study by pollsters YouGov, conducted for dpa, suggests 75% support the move by the new Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt, with 50% fully in favour and 25% somewhat backing the measures.

Only 16% reject the new regulation, while 9% did not specify their opinion or said they did not know.

Around 2,200 eligible voters in Germany were surveyed between May 9 and 12.

Germany's new coalition government - comprised of Chancellor Friedrich Merz's Christian Democrats (CDU), Dobrindt's Bavaria-only Christian Social Union (CSU) and the centre-left Social Democrats - has pledged to take stronger action against irregular migration.

Shortly after taking office a week ago, Dobrindt sent instructions to the federal police to allow them to turn asylum seekers away at Germany's borders.

Women with small children or who are heavily pregnant, the seriously ill, and other vulnerable groups are exempt from the new measures.

The federal police stepped up checks last week. Neighbouring countries such as Poland, Austria and Switzerland have criticized the changes.