German authorities conference with Afghan representatives concerning expulsion of Afghan nationals
In a move that has sparked international and human rights concerns, Germany's current government, led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, is actively restarting deportations of Afghan nationals who have been convicted of crimes or deemed delinquents. This shift in policy is part of the government's broader aim to implement tougher asylum laws and reduce irregular migration.
The German Interior Minister, Alexander Dobrindt, has expressed a desire to negotiate direct agreements with the Taliban administration in Kabul to facilitate these deportations, marking a departure from reliance on third parties or regional partners. In a practical step towards this goal, Dobrindt has suggested handing over the Afghan consulate in Berlin to the Taliban, a move that is seen as a logistical facilitation step rather than formal diplomatic recognition.
However, this approach has not gone unchallenged. The United Nations and human rights groups have criticised the harsh regime of the Taliban, particularly their suppression of women's rights and ongoing humanitarian crises in Afghanistan.
Recent developments suggest that Germany has resumed deportations of convicted Afghan nationals since August 2025, following a suspension following the Taliban’s return to power in 2021. Last August, 28 Afghan nationals were deported after the previous German government carried out indirect negotiations with the Taliban.
The pragmatic but controversial approach to deportations has been further highlighted by a meeting between former head of foreign intelligence in Germany, August Hanning, and Hamid Karzai, the former president of Afghanistan (2001-2014). The meeting, which took place in a prestigious Berlin hotel, occurred after Karzai left office as president of Afghanistan.
Hanning discussed with Karzai the establishment of an area in Afghanistan for Afghans to be returned to under German supervision. However, Hanning clarified that Karzai has no official mandate from the German government for these contacts.
The debate over resuming expulsions has flared as migration becomes a key issue amid the rise of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. The meeting between Hanning and Karzai was reported by Bild newspaper and broadcaster Welt TV.
It is important to note that Berlin has had only indirect contact with the Taliban authorities through third parties. Germany stopped deportations to Afghanistan and closed its embassy in Kabul following the Taliban's return to power in 2021. Hanning is not currently a part of the German government.
As Germany navigates this complex and sensitive issue, the international community will continue to watch with interest, balancing the need for migration control with human rights and diplomatic considerations.
- Due to the resumption of deportations and negotiations with the Taliban, politics surrounding migration has become a significant general news topic, with various parties weighing in on the human rights implications, especially in the context of Afghanistan's ongoing war-and-conflicts and suppression of women's rights.
- The pragmatic yet controversial approach to Afghan migration, including potential agreements with the Taliban and the proposal of a supervised return area in Afghanistan, has been precipitated by the rise of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, intensifying the debates on migration control, human rights, and diplomatic relations.
