German media outlets have reported that the German government and Taliban representatives have reached a technical-level understanding aimed at significantly increasing deportation flights for Afghan nationals convicted of serious crimes.
According to Bild am Sonntag and several other German media organizations, Germany may increase deportation flights to Afghanistan to as many as three flights per month, or approximately one flight every week.
The reports indicate that, in addition to charter flights, authorities are also considering the use of regular commercial flights to facilitate deportations.
German public broadcaster Tagesschau reported that the Interior Ministry is working to establish a permanent air corridor for the return of Afghan nationals ordered to leave the country.
According to the reports, the policy would primarily target individuals classified as serious offenders or security threats who are currently being held in prisons or deportation detention facilities in Germany.
German media have stated that at least 100 Afghan nationals are currently prepared for deportation under existing procedures.
German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt said that deportations of convicted criminals to Afghanistan would be carried out on a regular and reliable basis.
He emphasized that individuals who have committed serious crimes must leave Germany and that authorities intend to enforce this policy more consistently.
The reported agreement has drawn criticism from human rights organizations.
The refugee rights organization Pro Asyl warned that such arrangements could contribute to the normalization of relations with the Taliban.
Helen Frowein, the organization’s executive director, argued that cooperation on deportations to Afghanistan raises serious human rights concerns and could have negative implications for foreign policy.
According to media reports, the Taliban had previously cancelled a planned deportation flight and requested an increase in the number of their diplomatic representatives in Germany.
The developments come as migration policy remains a major political issue in Germany and across Europe, with governments seeking to increase deportations of individuals who do not qualify for protection while rights groups continue to raise concerns about conditions in Afghanistan.
Neither the German government nor Taliban authorities have publicly released the full details of the reported technical understanding.
