Key Takeaways
• Germany deported 81 Afghan nationals with criminal records on July 18, 2025, under Chancellor Merz’s government.
• Deportations coordinated through Qatar due to no direct German-Taliban diplomatic relations.
• Germany increased deportations by 25% in 2024; asylum applications fell sharply, especially from Afghan nationals.
Germany deported 81 Afghan nationals with criminal records to Afghanistan on July 18, 2025, in the second such operation since the Taliban returned to power. This move, carried out under Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s new conservative-led government, signals a major shift in Germany’s approach to migration and deportation, with stricter controls and enforcement now at the forefront.
What Happened and Why It Matters
On July 18, 2025, a chartered flight left Germany carrying 81 Afghan men who had been convicted of crimes and were under legal orders to leave the country. This was the first deportation flight to Afghanistan since Chancellor Merz took office in May 2025, and only the second since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan in August 2021. The previous flight, in 2024, deported 28 Afghan nationals under the former Scholz government.
German officials say these deportations are part of a broader effort to tighten migration rules, protect public safety, and respond to growing public concern about crime and irregular migration. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt stated, “Serious criminals have no right to residency in our country.” The government’s message is clear: those who break the law in Germany will face removal, even if their home country is under Taliban rule.
How the Deportation Was Carried Out
Germany does not have direct diplomatic relations with the Taliban-led government in Afghanistan. To make the deportation possible, German officials worked closely with Qatar, which acted as a go-between. Chancellor Merz publicly thanked Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani for helping to arrange the flight, noting that Germany maintains only “technical contacts” with the Taliban, not official diplomatic ties.
Each deportee reportedly received up to €1,000 in financial support. This payment is meant to help returnees avoid destitution, as German courts can block deportations if there is a risk that the person would be left without any means of support upon return.
Policy Changes Under the New Government
Since taking office in May 2025, Chancellor Merz’s government has made stricter migration controls a top priority. Key changes include:
- Enhanced border checks, especially at internal European Union borders, to stop irregular migration.
- Faster deportation procedures for rejected asylum seekers and those convicted of violent crimes.
- Suspension of family reunification for many migrants, making it harder for families to join relatives already in Germany.
These changes are part of a broader policy overhaul aimed at reducing the number of people living in Germany without legal status and addressing public concerns about crime and integration.
Trends in Deportations and Asylum Applications
The number of deportations from Germany has risen sharply. In 2024, Germany deported 20,084 people, a 25% increase from the previous year. This trend is expected to continue under the new government’s tougher stance.
At the same time, the number of people applying for asylum in Germany is falling. In 2023, there were 329,120 asylum applications. That number dropped to 229,751 in 2024, with further declines expected in 2025. Applications from Afghan nationals fell by 42% in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period the year before.
Who Is Affected by the Deportations?
Currently, only Afghan nationals with criminal convictions and final legal expulsion orders are being deported to Afghanistan. The German government says it is not targeting ordinary asylum seekers or those who have not committed crimes.
The selection process involves several steps:
- Identification: Authorities identify Afghan nationals with criminal records who have exhausted all legal appeals.
- Legal Review: German courts review each case to ensure that deportation does not put the person at risk of severe harm or destitution.
- Coordination: Because Germany has no embassy in Kabul, deportations are coordinated through third countries, mainly Qatar.
Eligibility for Deportation to Afghanistan
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Legal Safeguards and Appeals
German law provides several safeguards for those facing deportation. Courts can block removals if there is a real risk of torture, arbitrary detention, or other serious harm upon return. Financial support is sometimes provided to help deportees avoid being left without resources.
Individuals facing deportation have the right to appeal their cases. Legal aid organizations, such as Pro Asyl, often assist with these appeals, especially when there are concerns about human rights violations in the destination country.
International and Domestic Reactions
The deportations have sparked strong reactions from various groups:
- German Government: Officials defend the policy as necessary for public safety and the rule of law. They argue that those who commit serious crimes should not be allowed to stay in Germany.
- Qatar: Played a key role in making the deportation possible, acting as an intermediary between Germany and the Taliban.
- International Organizations: The United Nations and Amnesty International have condemned the deportations, calling Afghanistan under the Taliban “catastrophic” for human rights. They warn that returnees face risks such as torture, extrajudicial killings, and arbitrary detention.
- NGOs and Human Rights Groups: Groups like Pro Asyl argue that “Afghanistan is not safe” and have called for an immediate stop to forced returns.
Background: Suspension and Resumption of Deportations
After the Taliban took over Afghanistan in August 2021, Germany suspended all deportations to the country and closed its embassy in Kabul. The situation was considered too dangerous, and there were concerns about the safety of returnees.
In 2024, under the Scholz government, Germany resumed deportations to Afghanistan, but only for those with criminal convictions. The Merz government has since expanded these efforts, signaling a tougher approach to migration and public safety.
European Coordination and Broader Context
The July 18, 2025, deportation flight took place during a high-level migration summit in Berlin. Interior Minister Dobrindt hosted officials from France 🇫🇷, Poland 🇵🇱, Austria 🇦🇹, Denmark 🇩🇰, the Czech Republic 🇨🇿, and the European Union’s migration commissioner. The goal was to coordinate European responses to migration challenges, including deportations and border enforcement.
Many EU countries face similar debates about how to handle migrants from Afghanistan and other conflict zones, especially when public safety is at stake. The summit highlighted the need for a common approach, with some countries pushing for stricter controls and others urging more focus on human rights.
Human Rights Concerns and International Law
International organizations have raised serious concerns about the safety of Afghan nationals returned to Afghanistan under Taliban rule. The United Nations and Amnesty International warn that returnees may face:
- Torture or ill-treatment
- Arbitrary detention
- Extrajudicial killings
- Lack of access to basic services
These groups argue that deporting people to Afghanistan violates international legal obligations, including the principle of non-refoulement, which forbids sending someone to a place where they face serious harm.
Pro Asyl, a leading German advocacy group, says, “Afghanistan is not safe for anyone, and forced returns must stop immediately.” They call on the German government to respect international law and protect the rights of all migrants, regardless of their criminal history.
Government Response to Criticism
The German government insists that its policy is both legal and necessary. Officials point out that only those with serious criminal convictions are being deported, and that each case is carefully reviewed to ensure that returnees are not put at risk.
Interior Minister Dobrindt says, “We have a responsibility to protect our citizens and uphold the rule of law. At the same time, we follow all legal safeguards to make sure that no one is sent back to danger.”
Practical Implications for Afghan Nationals
For Afghan nationals living in Germany, the new policy means:
- Only those with criminal convictions and final expulsion orders are currently targeted for deportation.
- Legal avenues for appeal exist, especially if there is a demonstrable risk of harm upon return.
- Financial support may be provided to deportees to mitigate the risk of destitution.
- The risk of human rights violations upon return remains a significant concern, with international bodies urging caution and, in some cases, a halt to such removals.
Afghan nationals who have not committed crimes and whose asylum applications are still pending are not currently at risk of deportation to Afghanistan. However, the government’s tougher stance may affect other aspects of their status, such as access to social welfare or family reunification.
What Happens Next?
The German government has made it clear that it plans to continue deporting Afghan nationals with criminal records. More flights are expected in the coming months, and officials are considering further restrictions on social welfare for refugees and expanded border enforcement.
At the same time, international criticism is likely to grow, especially if the security situation in Afghanistan does not improve. Human rights groups and legal advocates will continue to challenge deportations in court, arguing that Germany must respect its obligations under international law.
Solution-Oriented Elements and Support for Affected Individuals
For those affected by these policies, several practical steps are available:
- Legal Advice: Afghan nationals facing deportation should seek legal advice immediately. Organizations like Pro Asyl and the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) can provide information and support.
- Appeals: If there is a risk of harm upon return, individuals can appeal their deportation orders in German courts.
- Financial Support: Deportees may be eligible for financial assistance to help them reintegrate in Afghanistan.
- Stay Informed: For the most current and official information, consult the German Federal Ministry of the Interior and Community website or contact their public information office.
Multiple Perspectives and Ongoing Debate
The debate over deportations to Afghanistan highlights the tension between public safety, migration control, and human rights. The German government argues that strict enforcement is necessary to maintain order and protect citizens. Human rights groups warn that forced returns to Taliban-controlled Afghanistan put lives at risk and violate international law.
European partners are watching closely, as many face similar challenges. The July 2025 migration summit in Berlin shows that the issue is not just a German one, but a European one, with countries seeking common ground on how to handle migration, deportation, and protection for those fleeing conflict.
Conclusion and Key Takeaways
Germany’s decision to deport 81 Afghan nationals with criminal records to Afghanistan marks a significant shift in migration policy. The operation, coordinated through Qatar due to the lack of direct ties with the Taliban, reflects a broader move toward stricter controls and enforcement under Chancellor Merz’s government.
While the government defends the policy as necessary for public safety, international organizations and human rights groups warn of serious risks for returnees. Legal safeguards and financial support are in place, but the debate over the safety and legality of deportations to Afghanistan is far from settled.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, the situation remains fluid, with further policy changes and deportations likely in the months ahead. Afghan nationals in Germany should stay informed, seek legal advice if needed, and be aware of their rights and options.
For official updates and detailed information on migration and deportation procedures, visit the German Federal Ministry of the Interior and Community.
Learn Today
Deportation → Official removal of a foreign national from a country for legal or administrative reasons.
Non-refoulement → A legal principle forbidding return to a country where serious harm or persecution is likely.
Taliban → Islamist political group controlling Afghanistan since August 2021, known for strict governance and human rights issues.
Chartered flight → A special flight arranged for specific purposes, such as deporting migrants, not regular commercial flights.
Family reunification → Immigration process allowing relatives to join family members living legally in a foreign country.
This Article in a Nutshell
On July 18, 2025, Germany deported 81 convicted Afghan nationals via Qatar, signaling stricter migration policies under Chancellor Merz. This controversial move raises human rights concerns amidst rising deportations and falling asylum requests. The government claims the policy ensures public safety while critics warn of serious risks for returnees under Taliban rule.
— By VisaVerge.com
