Since Germany's recent change of government, 173 Afghan men have been deported to Afghanistan — a country still under Taliban rule. Until now, deportations have largely targeted individuals with criminal convictions. But according to new reports from Tagesschau, German authorities are actively preparing to widen the scope of these removals to include Afghan nationals with no criminal record. For the roughly 183,000 Afghans currently living in Germany — many of whom fled persecution, war, or economic collapse — this development raises urgent and deeply personal questions about their future here.
The new German federal government, which took office earlier this year, made stricter migration enforcement a central policy priority. Deportation flights to Afghanistan — suspended for years due to security concerns — were resumed and have now removed 173 men since the government transition.
So far, the legal and political justification for these deportations has rested primarily on the criminal history of those removed. Individuals with serious criminal convictions, including violent offences, were prioritised. This framing made it easier to build political consensus and defend the removals in court.
However, internal preparations now suggest the government is laying the groundwork to remove Afghans who have committed no crimes — a move that would represent a fundamental departure from previous practice.
While no formal announcement has been made, reports indicate that officials are exploring legal and logistical frameworks for broader removals. This could affect several groups:
The legal hurdles remain significant. German and European courts have consistently ruled that Afghanistan cannot be considered a safe country of return, given the Taliban's governance and ongoing human rights abuses — particularly against women and minorities. Any mass deportation of non-criminal Afghan nationals would almost certainly face immediate legal challenges.
Nevertheless, the political direction is clear: the government wants to signal that residence in Germany cannot be taken for granted even without a criminal record.
For Afghans currently holding a valid Aufenthaltstitel or any form of protection, the immediate practical impact is limited — existing permits cannot simply be cancelled overnight. However, there are real concerns:
It is also worth noting that BAMF decisions can be appealed. If you receive a negative decision or a change to your protection status, you have the right to challenge it in the administrative courts (Verwaltungsgericht).
In theory, yes — if a person has no valid residence permit and no recognised protection status, German law allows for deportation regardless of criminal history. In practice, courts have frequently blocked deportations to Afghanistan citing safety concerns. However, the legal landscape is shifting, and individual cases will depend heavily on specific circumstances. Always seek legal advice.
A Duldung (tolerated status) is not a residence permit — it is a temporary suspension of deportation, usually granted because removal is not currently possible for legal or practical reasons. If the government expands deportation flights to Afghanistan and courts do not block them, Duldung holders with Afghan nationality are among the most exposed groups. Contact a migration lawyer or local refugee advice centre urgently to review your options.
Attend your renewal appointment and bring all supporting documents. Be prepared for a more thorough review of your case. If you are refused renewal, you have the right to appeal. Do not miss any deadlines — a lapse in status can create serious legal complications.
Organisations such as Caritas, Diakonie, AWO, the Refugee Council (Flüchtlingsrat) of your state, and Pro Asyl offer migration counselling across Germany. BAMF also maintains a list of recognised advice centres on its website.
The expansion of deportations to Afghanistan beyond criminal cases is not yet confirmed policy, but preparations are clearly underway. For Afghan nationals in Germany, this is the moment to get informed and get organised.
If you or someone you know is Afghan and has any uncertainty about their residence status, the most important step right now is to speak with a qualified migration lawyer or accredited advice centre. Do not wait for a letter from the authorities.
Deutschland4U will continue monitoring this situation and will update our coverage as official announcements are made.
Source: Tagesschau (Claudia Kornmeier and Philipp Eckstein)
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