Germany Expels 81 Afghan Criminals Amid Controversial Immigration Policy

In a decisive move reflecting its stringent immigration policies, Germany has deported 81 Afghan men, all of whom were convicted of crimes, back to Afghanistan, now under the control of the Taliban. This operation, which took place on July 19, 2025, is part of a broader effort by Chancellor Friedrich Merz's government to signal a hardline stance on immigration amidst rising political pressures and the increasing influence of far-right parties in the country.

The deportation marks a significant shift in Germany's immigration policy, which had previously seen a halt in deportations to Afghanistan following the Taliban's resurgence to power in August 2021. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt, who emphasized the need for safe deportations to Afghanistan, stated, "There is no right of residence for serious criminals in our country." The operation was made possible through cooperation with Qatar, as Germany continues to engage with the Taliban through indirect channels, given the closure of its embassy in Kabul.

This development comes amid a backdrop of increasing political tension in Germany concerning immigration. The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has gained substantial traction, achieving over 20 percent of the vote in recent elections. This rise is partly fueled by public concern over crime associated with asylum seekers, including several incidents involving Afghan nationals.

The UN has responded critically to Germany's decision, urging a halt to deportations of Afghan refugees and asylum-seekers due to the dangerous conditions they may face upon return. Ravina Shamdasani, spokesperson for the UN human rights office, reiterated that no individual should be forcibly returned to Afghanistan, where reports of extrajudicial executions, torture, and arbitrary detention have been widely documented.

Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, have condemned the deportations, labeling the situation in Afghanistan as catastrophic. In a statement, Amnesty International noted, "Forcible returns to Afghanistan put lives at risk, particularly for those who may face persecution or violence."

During a press conference, Chancellor Merz defended the deportations, stating that all individuals sent back had their asylum applications rejected and no longer held residence status in Germany. He pointed to these deportations as part of a broader strategy to correct immigration policies and enhance border security. However, he acknowledged that more comprehensive solutions are needed at the European level, indicating ongoing discussions with counterparts from Austria, Denmark, and other EU nations.

The German government’s approach has also included tightening border controls and limiting family reunification rights for certain refugees. As Dobrindt seeks to strengthen European migration policy, the operational effectiveness and ethical implications of deporting individuals to conflict zones remain subjects of intense debate.

The recent deportation underscores the complexities of managing immigration in Germany, particularly in light of historic and ongoing humanitarian crises in Afghanistan. The implications of such policies are significant, raising questions about human rights, international obligations, and the responsibilities of nations towards individuals fleeing persecution.

As Germany navigates its immigration policy landscape, the impact of these deportations may reverberate throughout Europe, potentially reshaping the discourse on migration and asylum in the region. The future of Afghan refugees, particularly those with criminal records, remains uncertain, caught between the harsh realities of their homeland and the evolving policies of host nations like Germany.