Germany Resumes Deportations to Afghanistan Amid Policy Shift

Germany has resumed deportations to Afghanistan as of July 18, 2025, sending 81 Afghan nationals back to Kabul on a chartered flight. This marks a major change in German migration policy, sparking debate among politicians, human rights groups, and the Afghan community in Germany.

What Happened and Why Now?

On July 18, 2025, a chartered Qatar Airways flight left Leipzig Airport carrying 81 Afghan nationals. Most of these individuals had criminal convictions or final deportation orders. This was the first deportation flight to Afghanistan under Germany’s new conservative-led coalition government, which took office in May 2025. The government says the move is part of a broader plan to tighten migration rules, increase border checks, and speed up deportations—especially for people who have committed serious crimes.

Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt explained the government’s position: “Serious criminals have no right to residency in our country.” The coalition agreement also promises more action to reduce irregular migration and make the deportation process faster and more efficient.

How Are Deportations to Afghanistan Carried Out?

Germany does not recognize the Taliban government and has no embassy in Kabul. This makes deportations complex. Instead, Germany works with Qatar as an intermediary. Qatar helps arrange flights and acts as a diplomatic go-between. Chancellor Friedrich Merz thanked Qatar’s Emir for this support and stressed that Germany’s contacts with the Taliban are only “technical,” not official diplomatic relations.

The deportation process involves several steps:

1. Identification: German authorities identify Afghan nationals who have final deportation orders or criminal convictions.
2. Notification: These individuals are told about their upcoming deportation. Appeals are possible, but options are limited for those with criminal records.
3. Coordination: German officials work with Qatari partners to arrange charter flights, avoiding direct contact with the Taliban.
4. Security Measures: Detainees are taken to the airport under heavy security. Some wear electronic ankle monitors.
5. Deportation Flight: The individuals are flown to Kabul with Qatar’s help.
6. Post-Arrival: There is little information about what happens to deportees after they arrive, since Germany has no diplomatic presence in Afghanistan.

Who Is Affected?

As of May 2025, Germany is home to about 446,287 Afghan nationals. Of these, 11,423 are under deportation orders or have only temporary legal status. Since 2016, Germany has deported 1,104 Afghan migrants, but most of these removals took place before the Taliban regained control in 2021.

Currently, the focus is on people with criminal convictions or final deportation orders. However, the government has signaled plans to expand deportations to include more rejected asylum seekers in the future.

Why Is This Policy So Controversial?

The decision to resume deportations to Afghanistan has drawn strong reactions from many sides.

• Supporters of the policy, including the German government, argue that it is necessary to protect public safety and maintain trust in the asylum system. They say that people who commit serious crimes should not be allowed to stay in Germany.
• Critics—including the United Nations, human rights groups, and some legal experts—warn that Afghanistan is not safe for returnees. They point to ongoing violence, human rights abuses, and the lack of support for people sent back to Taliban-controlled areas.

Arafat Jamal, a representative of the UN mission in Kabul, and Ravina Shamdasani from the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, have both spoken out against the policy. They say that Afghanistan remains unsafe, especially for women and minorities, and that no one should be forcibly returned there, regardless of their criminal record.

Legal and Diplomatic Challenges

Germany’s lack of formal relations with the Taliban creates several problems:

• Legal Rights: Without an embassy in Kabul, Germany cannot monitor the safety or well-being of deportees after they arrive. This raises questions about whether Germany can guarantee their basic rights.
• Diplomatic Hurdles: All arrangements must go through Qatar, which adds another layer of complexity and limits Germany’s ability to respond if problems arise.
• International Law: Critics argue that deporting people to a country where they may face harm could violate Germany’s obligations under international refugee and human rights law.

Security and Procedures

The July 18, 2025, deportation flight involved tight security. Some individuals were transported under guard, and at least one person wore an electronic ankle monitor. These measures are meant to prevent escape and ensure the process runs smoothly, but they also highlight the seriousness of the operation.

Political Context in Germany

The resumption of deportations comes at a time of heated political debate over migration. With national elections approaching, immigration and deportation policies are at the center of public discussion. The new conservative-led coalition government has made it clear that it wants to take a tougher stance on migration, promising to expand deportations not only to Afghanistan but also to Syria.

This policy shift is part of a broader trend in Europe, where several countries are rethinking their approach to migration and asylum in response to rising numbers of arrivals and public concern about security.

International Response

The United Nations and many human rights organizations have condemned Germany’s decision. They argue that Afghanistan is still too dangerous for returnees, especially given the Taliban’s record on human rights. The UN has called on all countries to stop forced returns to Afghanistan, warning that deportees may face violence, discrimination, or even death.

According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the policy has sparked fear and uncertainty among Afghan communities in Germany. Many worry that even those without criminal records could soon face deportation if the government expands its criteria.

What Happens to Deportees After Arrival?

One of the biggest concerns is what happens to people after they are sent back to Afghanistan. With no German embassy in Kabul, there is no way to monitor their safety or provide support. Human rights groups warn that deportees may be at risk of arrest, violence, or persecution by the Taliban, especially if they are seen as having ties to the West.

There is also little information about whether deportees receive any help with housing, employment, or reintegration. Many returnees may have spent years in Germany and have no family or support network in Afghanistan.

Step-by-Step Deportation Process

To help readers understand how the process works, here is a summary of the current steps:

• Step 1: Identification
  Authorities review records to find Afghan nationals with final deportation orders or criminal convictions.
• Step 2: Notification
  Individuals are informed about their upcoming deportation. Appeals are possible, but options are limited for those with criminal records.
• Step 3: Coordination
  German officials work with Qatar to arrange charter flights, since there is no direct contact with the Taliban.
• Step 4: Security Measures
  Detainees are taken to the airport under heavy security, sometimes with electronic ankle monitors.
• Step 5: Deportation Flight
  The group is flown to Kabul, with Qatar providing logistical support.
• Step 6: Post-Arrival
  There is no official German support or monitoring after arrival in Afghanistan.

Implications for Affected Communities

For Afghan nationals living in Germany, the resumption of deportations has created a climate of fear and uncertainty. Even those with legal status worry that the criteria for deportation could change, putting more people at risk. Families are concerned about being separated, and community organizations report an increase in anxiety and requests for legal advice.

Employers and schools that work with Afghan migrants are also affected. Some worry about losing valued employees or students, while others are concerned about the impact on community relations.

Legal Experts Weigh In

Legal scholars point out that Germany must balance its domestic security needs with its obligations under international law. The 1951 Refugee Convention and the European Convention on Human Rights both prohibit sending people back to countries where they face serious harm. Critics argue that the current policy may violate these rules, especially given the lack of monitoring and support for returnees.

At the same time, supporters argue that the government has a duty to protect public safety and enforce the law. They say that people who commit serious crimes should not be allowed to stay, regardless of their country of origin.

Future Outlook

The German government has announced plans to expand deportations to Afghanistan and Syria on a “regular and expanded” basis. However, each operation is likely to face legal challenges and intense public scrutiny. The policy’s future will depend on several factors:

• Domestic Politics: The outcome of upcoming elections could influence the government’s approach to migration.
• International Pressure: The United Nations and human rights groups will continue to push for a halt to deportations.
• Security in Afghanistan: If the situation in Afghanistan worsens, it may become even harder to justify sending people back.

What Can Affected Individuals Do?

Afghan nationals in Germany who are worried about deportation should:

• Seek Legal Advice: Contact a lawyer or a local refugee support organization for help understanding their rights and options.
• Stay Informed: Monitor updates from the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) and the German Interior Ministry for the latest information on policy changes.
• Prepare Documentation: Keep all important documents up to date and be ready to provide evidence of legal status or ongoing asylum claims.

For official information on asylum and deportation procedures, individuals can visit the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) website, which offers resources in multiple languages.

Conclusion and Next Steps

Germany’s decision to resume deportations to Afghanistan marks a turning point in its migration policy. While the government argues that the move is necessary for public safety, critics warn of serious risks to deportees and possible violations of international law. The policy has already affected dozens of Afghan nationals and created uncertainty for thousands more.

As the debate continues, it is important for affected individuals to stay informed, seek legal support, and understand their rights. Community organizations, legal experts, and international bodies will play a key role in monitoring the situation and advocating for the protection of vulnerable people.

Further deportation flights are expected, but each one will be closely watched by the public, the courts, and the international community. The outcome will shape not only the future of Afghan migrants in Germany but also the country’s reputation as a place of refuge and human rights.

For more detailed analysis and updates on Germany’s deportation policy and its impact on Afghan nationals, readers can refer to trusted sources such as VisaVerge.com and official government websites.

Learn Today

Deportation → The official removal of a foreign national from a country, usually for legal or security reasons.
Chartered Flight → A specially arranged flight for specific passengers, often used for deportations or repatriations.
Taliban → The Islamist militant group controlling Afghanistan since 2021, not officially recognized by Germany.
Final Deportation Order → A legal decision authorizing the removal of an individual from a country after appeal rights expire.
Electronic Ankle Monitor → A device worn by detainees to track their location and prevent unauthorized movement.

This Article in a Nutshell

Germany resumed deportations to Afghanistan, sending 81 Afghans back on July 18, 2025. New rules target criminals, but critics warn of safety risks amid Taliban control. Coordination via Qatar highlights diplomatic challenges without direct Taliban contact. The policy shift sparks domestic debate and international condemnation over human rights concerns.
— By VisaVerge.com