The deportation of 31 Afghan nationals from Leipzig Airport to Kabul has triggered renewed debate over Germany’s policy on returning rejected Afghan asylum seekers, particularly following reports that one of those removed had no criminal conviction.
Critics say the case represents the first known deportation since the Taliban returned to power in 2021 involving an Afghan asylum seeker without a criminal record. They argue the decision could pave the way for broader deportations of rejected asylum applicants to Afghanistan.
Clara Bünger, a member of Germany’s Left Party in the Bundestag, and Helen Frowe—identified in reports as the executive director of the refugee rights organization Pro Asyl—have warned that the policy could expand beyond individuals convicted of criminal offences. They argue that, given the human rights situation in Afghanistan, such deportations are inconsistent with Germany’s international obligations.
The German government, however, maintains that enforcing legally binding deportation orders is part of its responsibility to protect public security and manage migration. Officials say individuals who no longer have the legal right to remain in Germany are required to leave the country.
According to figures released by the German federal government, the latest flight brings the total number of Afghan nationals deported from Germany since the Taliban’s return to power to 227.
Critics have also expressed concern about the reported expansion of administrative cooperation between Germany and the Taliban to facilitate deportations. They warn that such cooperation could enhance the Taliban’s political legitimacy and potentially provide the group with access to personal information about Afghan citizens.
Meanwhile, refugee rights organizations continue to call for a halt to deportations to Afghanistan, arguing that the country’s human rights situation and ongoing security risks make such returns incompatible with international human rights standards.
