Germany conducted its first deportation of Afghan nationals back to their home country since the Taliban took power in August 2021. The operation involved 28 convicted offenders who had deportation orders issued against them, flying on a chartered Qatar Airways flight to Kabul. The government engaged in “secret negotiations” facilitated by Qatar to enable the deportations.
Following the Taliban’s rise to power, Germany had halted deportations to Afghanistan and closed its embassy in Kabul. However, growing concerns over illegal migration and crimes committed by asylum seekers have prompted calls for stricter actions. Recent incidents, such as a knife attack in Solingen by a Syrian man with Islamic State links, have reignited debates on deporting criminals from unsafe countries like Afghanistan and Syria.
Interior Minister Nancy Faeser announced plans to resume expulsions to Syria and Afghanistan soon to enhance security measures. Immigrations concerns are expected to impact regional elections in eastern Germany, with the far-right AfD party likely to gain support.