Bavaria Intensifies Deportation of Afghans and Syrians

Bavaria has sharply increased deportation efforts against Afghans and Syrians convicted of crimes, acting as a leader in Germany’s new push for stricter immigration enforcement. On July 17, 2025, German authorities deported 81 Afghan men, including 15 from Bavaria, to Taliban-controlled Afghanistan. This move follows a national policy shift under Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt, who have prioritized the removal of foreign nationals found guilty of serious crimes.

Bavaria’s Premier Markus Söder has called for even faster and broader deportations, specifically naming Afghans and Syrians as top priorities. Söder’s stance reflects growing political pressure in Bavaria and across Germany to address public safety concerns and respond to high-profile crimes involving asylum seekers. According to Bavarian Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann, the state is working closely with federal agencies to identify, detain, and process foreign nationals with criminal convictions for expedited removal.

Key Developments and Numbers

The July 17, 2025, deportation flight to Afghanistan was the second mass removal of its kind this year. Of the 81 Afghan men deported, 15 were from Bavaria and 13 from Baden-Württemberg. All individuals had exhausted their legal options for asylum and were convicted of serious crimes, including murder, manslaughter, sexual offenses, serious bodily harm, property crimes, drug offenses, and arson. These deportations are carried out via charter flights, with logistical support from third countries such as Qatar, since Germany maintains only indirect contact with the Taliban regime.

While deportations to Afghanistan resumed in 2024 after being suspended in 2021, removals to Syria remain officially on hold at the federal level due to ongoing security and human rights concerns. However, Bavarian officials continue to press for a change in this policy, citing recent criminal cases involving Syrian nationals and arguing that public safety must come first.

How the Deportation Process Works

The process targets foreign nationals with final criminal convictions who no longer have legal status in Germany. State authorities, such as those in Bavaria, identify these individuals, detain them, and coordinate with federal agencies to arrange removal logistics. Once all legal appeals are exhausted, deportation can proceed quickly. For Afghans, this means charter flights to Afghanistan, often with help from countries like Qatar. For Syrians, while direct deportations to Syria are still suspended, Bavaria is exploring legal ways to remove them to third countries or under special circumstances.

Official Statements and Stakeholder Views

Premier Markus Söder has taken a strong public stance, saying, “We must act decisively to protect our citizens and uphold the rule of law. Those who commit serious crimes have no place in Bavaria.” Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann confirmed Bavaria’s active role in recent deportations and stressed that public safety is the top priority.

At the federal level, Chancellor Friedrich Merz defended the new policy as fulfilling campaign promises and necessary for national security. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt stated, “Deportations to Afghanistan must continue to be carried out safely in the future,” and is seeking ways to enable deportations to Syria as well.

However, these actions have drawn strong criticism from the United Nations and human rights groups like Amnesty International. They argue that deportations to Afghanistan and Syria violate international law because of the risk of persecution, torture, or even death. The UN has called for an immediate halt to forced returns, warning of “catastrophic” human rights conditions in both countries.

Background and Policy Context

Deportations to Afghanistan were stopped in 2021 after the Taliban took control, but resumed in 2024 due to rising political pressure following crimes involving asylum seekers. Deportations to Syria have been suspended since 2012, with ongoing reviews but no removals as of August 2025. The policy shift is part of a wider change in German migration policy, which also includes tighter border controls and restrictions on family reunification for certain refugee groups.

Political analysts say this shift is driven by public concern over crime and the growing influence of right-wing parties like the AfD. According to analysis from VisaVerge.com, the debate over deportation policies has become a central issue in German politics, especially in states like Bavaria where local leaders are pushing for tougher action.

Implications for Affected Communities

For Afghans and Syrians living in Bavaria, these changes mean that anyone convicted of a serious crime faces a much higher risk of deportation, often with little warning once all legal appeals are finished. This has created fear and uncertainty among immigrant communities, especially for those with pending cases or family members at risk.

Human rights and refugee advocacy groups are actively challenging these policies in German and international courts. They advise affected individuals to seek immediate legal help if they face deportation. Legal experts warn that once all appeals are exhausted, options become very limited, and removals can happen quickly.

What Happens Next?

Bavaria is expected to keep pushing for federal approval to deport Syrians, especially those convicted of crimes. The federal government is reviewing the security situation in Syria, and policy changes could happen if conditions are judged safe for returns. More deportation flights to Afghanistan are likely, with continued controversy and legal challenges from human rights groups.

For now, the official stance in Bavaria is clear: public safety comes first, and those who break the law will be removed if possible. The Bavarian Ministry of the Interior provides updates and resources for those seeking more information about current policies and procedures. You can find more details on their official website: Bavarian Ministry of the Interior.

Practical Guidance for Affected Individuals

• If you are an Afghan or Syrian national in Bavaria and have a criminal conviction, seek legal advice immediately.
• Stay informed about your legal status and appeal options.
• Contact local refugee support organizations for help with legal representation and advice.
• Monitor updates from official sources, as policies and procedures can change quickly.

Conclusion and Takeaways

Bavaria’s stepped-up deportation of Afghans and calls for similar action against Syrians mark a major change in German migration policy. While officials argue these steps are needed to protect public safety, critics warn of serious human rights risks. The situation remains tense and fast-moving, with legal challenges and policy debates ongoing. For those affected, understanding your rights and seeking timely legal help is more important than ever.