On July 18, 2025, Germany deported 81 Afghan men convicted of crimes back to Afghanistan, marking the second such operation since the Taliban regained control in 2021. The flight, which departed from Leipzig, was facilitated through Qatar due to the absence of direct diplomatic ties with the Taliban. The German Interior Ministry stated that all deportees were under expulsion orders and had criminal convictions, reflecting a stricter immigration policy under Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s new government.
This deportation follows a similar action in August 2024, when 28 Afghans were sent back, prompted by public outcry over high-profile crimes involving migrants. The move aligns with growing political pressure to address irregular migration, particularly after incidents like the Solingen knife attack. Posts on X indicate mixed sentiments, with some users supporting the deportations as a necessary security measure, while others, including human rights groups, criticize the decision, citing Afghanistan’s unsafe conditions under Taliban rule.
Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt emphasized that such expulsions would continue, signaling a broader policy shift. The government is also exploring deportations to Syria, following the fall of Bashar al-Assad. These actions aim to balance security concerns with Germany’s labor needs, though they remain controversial amid debates over human rights and international law.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, July 18th, 2025
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