Germany Deports 81 Afghans Amid Migration Overhaul
The German government deported 81 Afghan nationals in a chartered flight to Kabul on Thursday night, marking the second such deportation since Germany resumed returns to Afghanistan earlier this year. The deported individuals were all adult men with criminal convictions or denied asylum claims.
This action is part of Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s new hardline immigration policy, aimed at tightening Germany’s borders and reducing undocumented migration.
Qatar Provides Logistical Support
The deportation was carried out with logistical help from Qatar, which acted as an intermediary in facilitating the return. While Germany does not officially recognise the Taliban government, it has begun engaging in technical coordination for repatriations. Officials clarified that such cooperation does not amount to diplomatic recognition of the regime in Kabul.
Each deportee was reportedly given financial assistance of up to €1,000 to help with initial resettlement on return.
Shift in Migration Policy Underway
The deportation reflects a broader shift in German migration policy. Deportations to Afghanistan had been suspended since the Taliban took over in 2021. However, the new administration has reversed that stance, citing security concerns and rising public demand for stricter immigration controls.
Germany has also suspended certain asylum and family reunification programs and introduced tighter border checks. These moves are part of a broader effort to reform Germany’s approach to asylum, focusing on expedited processing and quicker returns for rejected applicants.
European Momentum for Asylum Crackdown
Germany’s stance is aligned with that of several EU countries calling for tougher asylum procedures. These include proposals to assess asylum applications in third countries, restrict reapplications by those who already received protection elsewhere, and streamline deportations of rejected migrants.
The issue of rising migration has become a dominant political theme across Europe, with countries struggling to balance humanitarian obligations with national security and public sentiment.
What’s Next
The German government has indicated more deportations could follow, especially targeting individuals with criminal backgrounds or failed asylum claims. Human rights groups have voiced concerns over the safety of deportees in Afghanistan, while the German government maintains that its actions are within legal and humanitarian boundaries.
