A deportation flight from Germany to Iraq took off from Leipzig/Halle Airport on July 22, 2025, at 10:52 am, marking the latest in a series of removals under Germany’s tougher migration policy. German police closely monitored the operation, escorting each deportee onto the plane bound for Baghdad.
Germany’s Escalating Deportation Policy
Germany 🇩🇪 has sharply increased deportations in 2025, sending thousands of people back to their countries of origin. The most recent deportation flight to Iraq is part of a broader push by the German government to enforce stricter migration rules. According to official data, 6,151 people were deported from Germany in the first quarter of 2025 alone, a significant jump compared to previous years.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s administration has made migration enforcement a top priority. The government argues that these actions are necessary to uphold the law and address public concerns about migration. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt has stated that the focus is on removing people who have committed serious crimes or are considered security risks. However, the policy also affects failed asylum seekers, including vulnerable groups.
Recent Deportation Flights to Iraq
Since late 2023, Germany has resumed and expanded deportations to Iraq 🇮🇶. At least four charter flights to Baghdad have taken place since March 2025, departing from major airports such as Frankfurt, Munich, Düsseldorf, and Leipzig. The July 22, 2025, flight from Leipzig/Halle is the latest confirmed operation, but the government has not yet released details about the number or identities of those deported.
At least four charter flights to Baghdad took place.
Nearly 35 asylum seekers deported to Baghdad.
At least ten Iraqi citizens deported from Frankfurt to Baghdad.
Charter flight departed from Düsseldorf to Baghdad.
Latest deportation flight left Leipzig/Halle for Baghdad.
Some recent flights include:
- April 23, 2025: Nearly 35 asylum seekers, including a Yazidi family and two Yazidi women, were deported to Baghdad. Most were Kurds from the Kurdistan Region.
- April 29, 2025: Another group of at least ten Iraqi citizens was flown from Frankfurt to Baghdad.
- May 13, 2025: A charter flight departed from Düsseldorf to Baghdad.
- July 22, 2025: The most recent deportation flight left Leipzig/Halle for Baghdad, with the exact number of deportees still undisclosed.
These flights are part of a systematic approach to removals, with operations often scheduled early in the morning and not always announced in advance. This practice aims to reduce the risk of protests and disruptions at airports.
How Deportation Flights Are Carried Out
Deportation flights from Germany to Iraq involve careful planning and strict security measures. German federal police accompany each deportee throughout the process, from the holding area to the aircraft. Local authorities at departure airports also play a role in ensuring the operation runs smoothly.
Key steps in the process include:
- Early-morning scheduling: Flights often leave before dawn to avoid public attention.
- Police escort: Each person is individually accompanied by police officers.
- Limited public information: Details about upcoming flights are rarely shared in advance.
- Heightened security: Airports increase monitoring and restrict access during these operations.
The Federal Ministry of the Interior (Bundesministerium des Innern und für Heimat) oversees these deportations. As of now, the ministry has not provided a public statement about the latest flight or the identities of those on board.
Who Is Being Deported?
Most people on these flights are failed asylum seekers—individuals whose applications for protection in Germany have been rejected. Some have criminal records, but recent deportations have also included vulnerable groups, such as Kurds and Yazidis. This has raised serious concerns among human rights organizations.
For example, the April 23, 2025, flight included a Yazidi family and two Yazidi women. Many of those deported were Kurds from the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. These groups have faced persecution and violence in Iraq, making their forced return especially controversial.
Human Rights Concerns and Advocacy Group Responses
Human rights organizations, including Pro Asyl and Amnesty International Germany, have strongly criticized Germany’s deportation flights to Iraq. They argue that returning people to regions where they may face danger violates international law, specifically the principle of non-refoulement. This rule says that countries should not send people back to places where they could face torture, persecution, or other serious harm.
Kurdish and Yazidi advocacy groups are especially worried about the safety of minorities. They point out that Iraq remains unstable, and ethnic and religious minorities continue to face threats. According to these groups, deporting vulnerable people to Iraq could put their lives at risk.
A spokesperson for a Kurdish advocacy group said, “We are deeply concerned for the safety of those returned to Iraq, especially Yazidis and Kurds who have already suffered so much. Germany should not be sending people back to danger.”
German Government’s Position
The German government defends its actions by saying it is following the law and responding to public demand for stricter migration control. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt has emphasized that the main goal is to remove people who pose a threat to public safety or have committed serious crimes. However, the inclusion of vulnerable minorities in recent flights has drawn criticism from both domestic and international observers.
A government official stated, “Germany has a responsibility to uphold its laws and ensure public safety. Deportations are carried out in accordance with legal procedures, and we prioritize cases involving serious criminals and security risks.”
Lack of Support for Deportees in Iraq
One of the biggest concerns for those deported from Germany to Iraq is the lack of support upon arrival. Unlike deportees to Afghanistan, who reportedly received up to €1,000 in cash to help them cope with immediate poverty, no such program exists for those sent to Iraq. This means that many people arrive in Baghdad with little or no money, no place to stay, and no support network.
There is also limited information about what happens to deportees after they land in Iraq. Some may have family or friends to help them, but others are left to fend for themselves in a country they may not know well, especially if they have lived in Germany for many years.
Impact on Affected Communities
The increase in deportation flights has a deep impact on the lives of those sent back and their families in Germany. Many deportees have lived in Germany for years, built lives, and even started families. Their sudden removal can cause trauma, financial hardship, and uncertainty for loved ones left behind.
For ethnic and religious minorities, the risks are even greater. Yazidis, for example, have faced genocide and ongoing threats in Iraq. Returning them to a place where they may not be safe raises serious ethical and legal questions.
Local communities in Germany are also affected. Advocacy groups and supporters often organize protests and campaigns to stop deportations, especially when vulnerable individuals are involved. These actions highlight the ongoing debate within German society about how to balance migration control with human rights.
EU Context and Regional Trends
Germany’s recent deportation flight to Iraq comes at a time when the European Union is also discussing stricter migration policies. The timing of the July 22, 2025, flight coincided with EU talks on tightening migration enforcement, suggesting a broader regional shift toward tougher measures.
Other EU countries are watching Germany’s actions closely. Some may follow suit, increasing their own deportations to countries like Iraq and Afghanistan. This trend has sparked concern among human rights groups across Europe, who warn that vulnerable people could be put at risk if more countries adopt similar policies.
Historical Background and Future Outlook
Germany’s approach to deportations has changed significantly since late 2023. After a period of limited removals, the government resumed and expanded deportations to Iraq, with at least 23 charter flights involving Kurdish asylum seekers by April 2025. The pace has picked up in 2025, with both Afghanistan and Iraq now regular destinations for deportation flights.
Looking ahead, more deportation flights to Iraq are expected. Monitoring groups and activists believe that the German government will continue its current policy, with further removals likely in the coming months. So far, there has been no sign that the government plans to slow or stop these operations.
Practical Guidance for Affected Individuals
For those facing possible deportation from Germany to Iraq, it is important to know your rights and seek legal advice as soon as possible. Human rights organizations such as Pro Asyl and Amnesty International Germany can provide support and information. Kurdish and Yazidi advocacy groups may also offer help, especially for members of vulnerable minorities.
If you receive a deportation order, you should:
- Contact a lawyer immediately to discuss your options.
- Reach out to advocacy groups for support and advice.
- Gather any documents that show you may be at risk if returned to Iraq, such as evidence of past persecution or threats.
- Ask about possible appeals or humanitarian protections that may apply to your case.
For more information on Germany’s migration and deportation policies, you can visit the official Federal Ministry of the Interior website.
What Happens Next?
The situation remains dynamic, with the German government and the EU continuing to debate migration enforcement. As reported by VisaVerge.com, the trend toward stricter deportations is likely to continue, with more flights expected in the near future.
Advocacy groups and legal experts are calling for greater transparency and better protection for vulnerable people. They argue that Germany should carefully review each case and avoid sending anyone back to a place where they could face harm.
Key Takeaways
- Germany is now conducting regular, large-scale deportation flights to Iraq, with the latest confirmed on July 22, 2025, from Leipzig/Halle to Baghdad.
- Policy has become much stricter in 2025, focusing on rapid removals, including of vulnerable minorities, despite ongoing criticism from rights groups.
- Further flights are expected, and the situation could change as the German government and EU continue to discuss migration enforcement.
- Human rights organizations urge caution, warning that returns to unstable regions may violate international law and put lives at risk.
- Affected individuals should seek legal help and support from advocacy groups as soon as possible.
Conclusion
Germany’s recent deportation flight to Iraq highlights the country’s new, tougher approach to migration enforcement. While the government argues that these actions are necessary to uphold the law and protect public safety, critics warn that vulnerable people may be put in danger. As more deportation flights are expected, the debate over how to balance migration control with human rights is likely to continue, both in Germany and across the European Union.
For those at risk of deportation, knowing your rights and getting help quickly is essential. The coming months will be critical in shaping the future of migration policy in Germany and beyond.
Learn Today
Deportation flight → A specially arranged plane used to forcibly return individuals to their home countries.
Non-refoulement → An international principle preventing countries from returning people to places where they face danger.
Failed asylum seekers → Individuals whose applications for refugee status or protection have been legally denied.
Federal Ministry of the Interior → Germany’s government department responsible for domestic affairs, including migration enforcement.
Charter flight → A flight arranged for a specific purpose, such as deporting groups, not part of regular airline schedules.
This Article in a Nutshell
Germany’s deportation flight from Leipzig to Baghdad on July 22, 2025, highlights increased removals amid human rights concerns for vulnerable groups, including Yazidis and Kurds facing risks in Iraq’s unstable environment.
— By VisaVerge.com
