Despite escalating violence and human rights abuses perpetrated by the Iranian regime, the state of Baden-Württemberg remains committed to deporting individuals to Iran, a decision drawing increasing scrutiny and raising critical questions about Germany’s asylum policies. According to Marion Gentges, Baden-Württemberg’s Minister for Integration, the state government is actively pursuing the deportation of several individuals, including those with histories of serious criminal offenses, as reported by the “Frankfurter Rundschau”. Gentges asserted that there is currently “no reason” to suspend these efforts.
The justification offered by the Baden-Württemberg government, echoed by the Social Democrat-led Lower Saxony, centers on the purported lack of cooperation from Tehran regarding the repatriation of its citizens. Lower Saxony, which ceased deportations to Iran at the beginning of 2024 for this reason, similarly avoids issuing a formal moratorium, citing the difficulty of accurately assessing the situation in Iran. Interior Minister Daniela Behrens indicated that the responsibility for providing a timely, “ad-hoc” report on the ground conditions falls to the Federal Foreign Office, with the results then informing the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF)’s asylum decisions.
However, critics argue that pursuing deportations in the face of widespread reports of political repression and potential arbitrary detention within Iran presents a significant moral and legal dilemma. While the BAMF claims to individually assess each case for “country-related deportation prohibitions” based on the current situation, the criteria and application of these assessments remain opaque. Concerns are being raised about the potential for German authorities to overlook the dire conditions experienced by deportees upon their return, particularly given the regime’s documented history of targeting perceived dissidents.
The continued adherence to deportation protocols, even amidst ongoing unrest, suggests a prioritization of bureaucratic processes over humanitarian concerns and a reluctance to openly challenge the Iranian government’s actions. The reliance on the Federal Foreign Office for assessment also places considerable responsibility on a department already grappling with complex diplomatic relations with Tehran, potentially creating a delay that prolongs the vulnerability of individuals facing deportation. The approach adopted by Baden-Württemberg and Lower Saxony highlights a complex interplay of political pragmatism, legal obligations and ethical considerations within Germany’s asylum system.