Germany has carried out another deportation flight to Afghanistan, removing more than 30 people with criminal records from German territory. The operation was conducted under a cooperation agreement with the Taliban, the Islamist group that has governed Afghanistan since 2021. Critics gathered at Leipzig Airport to hold a candlelight vigil in protest. For the roughly 200,000 Afghan nationals currently living in Germany — many of whom fled Taliban rule — this development raises urgent questions about the safety, legal basis, and future direction of German immigration policy.
The flight is one of several deportation operations Germany has carried out to Afghanistan since the federal government decided to resume removals to the country in 2023. This latest operation targeted individuals who had committed criminal offences and were subject to deportation orders. German authorities coordinated the logistics through an agreement with Taliban officials, a move that has been deeply controversial given that the Taliban is not recognised as a legitimate government by Germany or the European Union.
The legal framework enabling these flights rests on the argument that individuals who pose a criminal risk can be removed regardless of the political situation in the destination country — provided their individual safety can be assessed. Human rights organisations strongly contest this reasoning, arguing that no safety guarantees can be provided under Taliban governance.
Opponents of the policy organised a Mahnwache — a silent vigil — at Leipzig Airport to draw public attention to what they consider an ethically and legally problematic operation. Critics argue that even people who have committed crimes may face serious human rights violations upon return, including arbitrary detention, torture, or execution.
The German government, for its part, frames the deportations as a necessary measure to uphold rule of law and public safety, and as part of broader efforts to demonstrate that Germany enforces its migration rules consistently. The policy enjoys significant political support across the mainstream parties, while civil society groups and refugee advocates continue to challenge it through protests and legal proceedings.
For Afghan nationals with a stable residence status — such as a recognised refugee status (Flüchtlingsschutz), subsidiary protection (subsidiärer Schutz), or a Niederlassungserlaubnis — these deportation flights do not pose a direct immediate threat. German law does not allow deportation of people with valid protection status unless that status is formally revoked.
However, the policy signals an increasingly restrictive environment. Afghan nationals who:
…should be especially attentive to any changes in their legal situation and seek qualified legal advice as soon as possible.
It is also worth noting that even for those whose status is secure, the psychological impact of this policy on Afghan communities in Germany is significant. Community organisations have reported increased anxiety among Afghan residents following each deportation flight.
In principle, a recognised refugee cannot be deported while their protection status is valid. However, that status can be revoked if a person is convicted of a serious crime or is deemed a threat to national security. If your status is revoked, you have the right to appeal the decision in court. Always consult a qualified immigration lawyer if you receive any official notification about your status.
A Duldung is a temporary suspension of deportation — it is not a residence permit. It means that the authorities acknowledge a deportation cannot be carried out at this moment (for example, due to missing travel documents or health reasons), but it does not grant you the right to stay permanently. People on Duldung status are more vulnerable to removal if their circumstances change. If you hold a Duldung, contact a legal aid organisation or a migration counselling centre (Migrationsberatung) to explore whether you qualify for a more stable residence status.
Several organisations provide free or low-cost legal advice for people in this situation. These include the German Red Cross (DRK), Caritas, Diakonie, Pro Asyl, and local refugee legal aid services (Flüchtlingsberatung). The BAMF also has information on rights and procedures on its official website.
Germany's Afghanistan deportation policy is ongoing and politically entrenched. For Afghan nationals in Germany, the most important step is to understand your exact legal status and keep your documentation in order. If your situation is unclear or precarious, do not wait — seek advice from a qualified immigration lawyer or a recognised counselling organisation. Staying informed and proactively managing your paperwork is the best protection available.
Source: Tagesschau
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