Germany Plans to Resume Deportations to Afghanistan Under New Govt

The new government of Germany plans to expand deportations to Afghanistan, targeting rejected asylum seekers amid growing political pressure and migration concerns.

German media have reported that the country’s future government plans to resume deportation flights to Afghanistan and Syria as part of a tougher immigration policy targeting undocumented migrants and rejected asylum seekers.

According to Deutsche Welle on Thursday, April 10, the plan aims to return around 200,000 individuals who currently hold a “tolerated” (Duldung) immigration status. This marks a significant shift in Germany’s approach to managing migration challenges.

Among those most affected are Afghan migrants, who make up one of the largest asylum-seeking communities in Germany. The new policy reportedly includes accelerating the process of returning Afghan nationals to their home country.

Thorsten Frei, head of the Christian Democratic Union’s parliamentary group, told Bild newspaper: “We will carry out deportations and return flights to Afghanistan and Syria. The German people can count on this promise.”

Also See: Germany Considers Temporary Halt on Evacuations of At-Risk Afghan Allies

Germany had halted deportations to Afghanistan after the Taliban took over in August 2021 due to human rights concerns. However, mounting domestic political pressure has pushed the government to reconsider its stance.

Over the past decade, tens of thousands of Afghans have sought asylum in Germany, fleeing war, insecurity, and threats from the Taliban. Many of them remain under “tolerated” status—lacking permanent residency but not deported due to safety concerns in their home country.

The first deportation flight to Afghanistan since the Taliban’s return to power occurred in August 2024, with 28 Afghan men convicted of criminal offenses returned to Kabul via a Qatar-mediated agreement. The flight was seen as a trial step toward broader deportation efforts.

The incoming government’s new deportation policy, expected to take effect after the February 2025 elections, is likely to extend beyond criminal offenders and include all rejected asylum seekers—raising concerns among migrant rights groups.

Germany’s renewed deportation policy highlights a growing tension between domestic political pressures and humanitarian obligations. As the government moves forward, the fate of thousands of vulnerable individuals remains uncertain, sparking debates over the balance between security and compassion.

This news is sourced from [Khaama Press] and is for informational purposes only.