Germany nears deal with Taliban to deport Afghan convicts

Germany is nearing a major agreement with the Taliban government in Afghanistan to begin regular deportation flights of Afghan

Germany is nearing a major agreement with the Taliban government in Afghanistan to begin regular deportation flights of Afghan nationals convicted of crimes in Germany. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt revealed that the talks are in their final stages and that a deal could be reached soon.

The German government, led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz since May, has made strict immigration control one of its top priorities. The new administration wants to deport foreign criminals more quickly as part of its efforts to tackle growing public concern over migration and the rise of far-right political parties.

In an interview, Dobrindt said discussions with the Taliban were “very advanced” and that Germany wanted to start carrying out deportations regularly. He explained that these deportations would not be limited to chartered flights but could also include commercial ones.

Germany has deported Afghan nationals only twice since the Taliban returned to power in 2021. The first flight in 2024 returned 28 Afghans, while a second flight this July sent back 81. Both were arranged with Qatar’s help, which acted as a mediator between Berlin and Kabul.

According to reports from German media, senior officials from the Interior Ministry recently traveled to Kabul to discuss logistics and technical arrangements for the flights. Sources described the talks as positive and said that both sides were close to a final understanding.

However, the move has sparked controversy in Germany. The country does not officially recognise the Taliban regime, and critics say negotiating directly with them undermines Germany’s stance on human rights. They warn that such cooperation could make Berlin reliant on a regime that continues to face international isolation for its treatment of women and minorities.

Opposition leaders in the Bundestag have raised concerns that any deal with the Taliban could weaken Germany’s diplomatic position and contradict its commitment to human rights.

Despite the criticism, Interior Minister Dobrindt insists that the government will continue its efforts. He said he is ready to visit Kabul personally to make sure the agreement is implemented. “I will do everything possible to make this work,” he added, noting that Germany could try a similar approach with Syria in the future.

If the deal goes through, Germany could start carrying out regular deportations without relying on Qatar or other third countries. This would mark a significant change in European deportation policy toward Afghanistan since the Taliban regained control in 2021.