Germany Airlifts 138 Refugees from Afghanistan
In a complex web of political and security issues, Germany and Pakistan are dealing with the influx of Afghan refugees and potential deportations. This situation is largely influenced by the current political climate in Afghanistan under Taliban rule, as well as the domestic policies of both countries regarding asylum seekers.
Germany has resumed the deportation of Afghan nationals, particularly those with criminal convictions. This move is part of a broader governmental strategy to repatriate foreign nationals deemed dangerous or with criminal records. Deportations are facilitated through technical cooperation with Taliban-appointed envoys in Germany and coordination via Qatar, enabling flights returning rejected Afghan asylum seekers to Kabul.
The German government's approach aims to put pressure on Afghanistan to accept deportees while signaling a tougher stance on migration under its new governing coalition. However, this policy has sparked criticism and protests from Afghan asylum seekers and human rights groups, who fear deportees face risks of torture or death under Taliban rule. The United Nations has also urged Germany to halt these deportations, citing international legal protections such as non-refoulement.
Meanwhile, in Pakistan, a country hosting a large Afghan refugee population, the situation is complicated. The limited opportunities and halted resettlement or asylum programs for Afghans have left many in limbo. Germany had an admission program since 2022 to resettle Afghans at risk (such as human rights activists, women, minorities) from Pakistan to Germany. However, this program has been suspended as of 2025 amid a broader reduction in acceptance of Afghan asylum applications.
The Pakistani authorities' actions are putting pressure on Afghans waiting for their departure within the framework of various acceptance programs. Many families have to borrow money from relatives or sell their property in their home country to afford the high fees for visa renewals, leaving them destitute in case of rejection.
Recently, a chartered German government plane carrying 138 people landed at Leipzig/Halle Airport. Among those who arrived were 45 children and young people, 76 women, and 62 men. However, no new acceptance guarantees are being issued for these flights, and the Union parliamentary vice-president, Jens Spahn (CDU), finds the planned flights fundamentally wrong and presumptuous.
The Pakistani State Minister for the Interior, Talal Chaudhry, announced that deportations from May would also affect Afghans waiting in Pakistan for a departure to Western countries. This announcement has sparked indignation among Union politicians, who fear it could put the lives of women, children, regime critics, human rights activists, and even school principals and journalists in Afghanistan at risk.
The Foreign Office spokesman stated that they are in close coordination and close contact with the Pakistani authorities, advocating for the people who have a binding acceptance guarantee. Despite the business-led government of SPD and Greens not having a majority in parliament, according to Jens Spahn's criticism, the situation remains a pressing concern for both countries.
[1] Article 1A of the 1951 Refugee Convention [2] Non-refoulement [3] Germany suspends resettlement of Afghan refugees from Pakistan [4] Germany resumes deportations of Afghans despite Taliban rule [5] UN calls on Germany to halt deportations of Afghans
- The war-and-conflicts in Afghanistan and the subsequent migration of refugees have led to various political debates, particularly in Germany and Pakistan, regarding the acceptance and deportation of Afghan asylum seekers.
- The German government's decision to resume the deportation of Afghan nationals with criminal convictions is part of a broader strategy to repatriate foreign nationals deemed dangerous or with criminal records, raising concerns about non-refoulement under Article 1A of the 1951 Refugee Convention.
- The United Nations has urged Germany to halt the deportations of Afghans, citing international legal protections such as non-refoulement, while the suspension of the resettlement program for Afghan refugees in Pakistan has left many in a precarious situation, facing high fees for visa renewals and potential risks upon return to Afghanistan.
