Germany Eyes Direct Deportation Pacts with Taliban, Syria

German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt is advocating for direct negotiations with the Taliban government in Afghanistan and authorities in Syria to facilitate the deportation of convicted criminals from Germany. Since the Taliban's takeover in 2021, Germany had largely suspended deportations to Afghanistan, with only one exception in 2024 when 28 offenders were deported via Qatar's mediation. Dobrindt argues that indirect arrangements are unsustainable and insists on direct agreements amid mounting public concern following high-profile attacks linked to rejected asylum seekers. The United Nations has criticized Germany's plans to negotiate with the Taliban, raising concerns for migrants' safety. Dobrindt is also pushing to lower Germany's refugee admission cap, citing increased arrivals from Ukraine. These efforts reflect growing political momentum for stricter migration controls in response to recent electoral gains by the far right.