The German government has resumed deportations to Afghanistan, sending a repeat offender back to Kabul on Tuesday via a commercial flight from Frankfurt, a move that is likely to intensify the ongoing debate surrounding asylum policies and criminal repatriation. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt of the Christian Social Union (CSU) confirmed the deportation, highlighting the government’s commitment to removing foreign nationals convicted of serious crimes.
The individual, who arrived in Germany as a recognized refugee, had accumulated multiple criminal convictions in Bavaria prior to his deportation. These convictions include charges of aggravated assault and drug trafficking, demonstrating a pattern of criminal behavior that authorities cited as justification for his removal. The operation, carried out by federal police and involving the transfer of consular documents, culminated in his handover to Afghan authorities early Saturday morning.
Dobrindt defended the action, asserting that deportations “must be possible, even to Afghanistan” and that Germany has a “compelling interest” in ensuring foreign nationals committing serious crimes leave the country. This statement reflects a hardening stance on repatriation policies within the CSU and the broader German government, particularly amidst rising concerns about crime rates and public safety.
However, the deportation raises significant ethical and legal questions. While the government points to the individual’s criminal history, critics emphasize the complexities of the Afghan situation, characterized by ongoing instability, violence and a fragile political landscape. Human rights organizations have repeatedly cautioned against deportations to Afghanistan, raising concerns about the potential for persecution, torture and arbitrary detention upon return.
Official figures from the Central Register of Foreigners indicate that approximately 448,700 Afghan nationals were registered in Germany as of late November 2023. Of these, roughly 11,900 were officially classified as subject to deportation. The resumption of deportations, coupled with this substantial backlog, signals a potential increase in pressure on the asylum system and a heightened risk of legal challenges and humanitarian crises, demanding a closer scrutiny of the criteria and process for repatriation to Afghanistan.
The move is also expected to fuel political divisions, potentially emboldening right-wing factions advocating for stricter immigration controls while prompting opposition parties to question the government’s responsibility to protect vulnerable individuals and uphold international human rights obligations.