Germany Deports 31 Afghan Nationals, Including First Non-Criminal Since Taliban Takeover

Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt announced that Germany has deported 31 Afghan nationals by plane. Of these individuals, 30 were convicted of serious or violent crimes, including rape and killing. One person on the flight was not a criminal but was liable for deportation after their asylum claim was exhausted and an attempt to reside illegally in another European country failed.

This marks the first time since the Taliban returned to power in 2021 that Germany has deported an Afghan national without a criminal record. Since resuming deportations to Afghanistan in 2024, Germany has returned over 200 people. According to the human rights group Amnesty International, at least one of these individuals was killed following their deportation.

The deportations are based on a direct agreement with the Taliban-led government to facilitate regular returns without the need for mediator states. Minister Dobrindt stated that future deportations will not be limited exclusively to serious criminals but will include those who are mandatory for deportation. Several German states, including Hesse, Brandenburg, and Saxony, have indicated they intend to utilize these expanded possibilities.

The cooperation has drawn criticism from those who argue that Germany is making practical concessions—such as allowing certain diplomats at Afghan representations in Germany—while officially refusing to recognize the Taliban regime due to human rights violations.