Germany Deports 81 Afghan Criminals in Second Post-Taliban Flight

Germany has deported 81 Afghan nationals with criminal records back to Afghanistan in a flight facilitated by Qatar, marking the second such deportation since the Taliban regained power in 2021 and the first under Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s conservative-led government. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt emphasized that serious criminals have no right to residency in Germany and announced plans to continue these deportations as part of a broader immigration policy overhaul aimed at curbing irregular migration. The deportations have sparked criticism from the United Nations and human rights organizations, citing concerns about the Taliban's human rights record and the suitability of conditions in Afghanistan for repatriations. Despite no formal diplomatic relations with the Taliban, Germany coordinates deportations through technical contacts and a liaison office in Qatar. This policy shift comes amid rising domestic political pressure to tighten immigration controls and streamline deportation procedures, particularly for violent offenders. However, legal and diplomatic challenges remain, with officials acknowledging the need for direct agreements with Afghanistan to facilitate future deportations.