Germany Deports 81 Afghan Refugees to Afghanistan

Germany deported 81 Afghan refugees with criminal records, citing security concerns. The move follows federal policy agreements and coordination with Kabul authorities.

The German government has announced the deportation of 81 Afghan refugees, citing their criminal records and the threat they posed to public security. This marks the second mass deportation of Afghan nationals since the Taliban took power in Afghanistan.

Germany’s Ministry of the Interior confirmed on Friday that the 81 Afghan refugees were flown from Leipzig Airport to Kabul earlier that morning. The ministry stated that the deported individuals had criminal backgrounds and were considered a threat to national security.

This is the first mass deportation of Afghan nationals under the new German government led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz. The Ministry of the Interior added that the move is part of a federal coalition agreement, which includes provisions for returning foreign nationals with criminal records to their countries of origin.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the interim administration also confirmed the deportation in a statement, noting that the process took place after extensive discussions between German officials and representatives of the Taliban government.

German media reported that the deportees were transported to the airport in several buses, with some of them wearing electronic ankle monitors. The deportation flight was operated by Qatar Airways and landed in Kabul at 8:35 a.m. local time.

Since the Taliban’s takeover in August 2021, the deportation of Afghan refugees from European countries has become a sensitive issue. The previous German government, led by Olaf Scholz, had also deported 28 Afghan nationals with criminal convictions back to Afghanistan last year. Human rights organizations have previously warned that deporting individuals to a country with uncertain human rights conditions could put their lives at risk. However, German authorities insist that only individuals with serious criminal records and security risks are being deported.

The deportation has sparked renewed debate in Germany and across Europe about the balance between public safety and humanitarian obligations. Critics argue that while security is important, deportations to conflict-ridden or unstable countries must be handled with extreme caution.

The German government is expected to face increased scrutiny from international watchdogs and civil society groups. The issue also highlights the ongoing challenge European nations face in managing migration, refugee protection, and national security in an era of global instability.

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