Germany Deports 20 Afghans Under Agreement with 'Taliban'

SadaNews - Germany has deported 20 convicted criminals to Afghanistan under a new agreement with the 'Taliban' government that allows for direct deportations, according to the German Interior Ministry.

Berlin had resumed the deportation of convicted criminals to Afghanistan in 2024 with the mediation of Qatar. German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt confirmed that the agreement reached to facilitate Thursday's deportation "creates effective foundations for direct and permanent deportation to Afghanistan."

The ministry indicated that the deportees are men who committed crimes in Germany, including sexual offenses and drug-related crimes. Dobrindt stated: "Our community has an interest in ensuring that criminals leave our country. That is why we are continually working and expanding the deportation processes step by step."

Germany had suspended deportations to Afghanistan and closed its embassy in Kabul after the 'Taliban' returned to power in 2021. However, it resumed the process as part of tightening its immigration policies in response to the rise of the far-right Alternative for Germany party.

Germany conducted two deportation operations for convicted Afghans since 2021, the first involving 28 individuals in the fall of 2024 and the second involving 81 in 2025.

The German Interior Ministry announced last year that direct discussions were taking place with the 'Taliban' authorities. However, this sparked controversy as Berlin does not recognize the Islamic movement's government in Kabul.

The deportations have also faced criticism from human rights organizations, which argue that conditions in Afghanistan remain unsafe.

A spokesman for the Interior Ministry told the "French Press" agency that the agreement was reached "during the technical discussions held by the government with the de facto Afghan government in the fall of 2025."

The European Union has also begun communications with the 'Taliban' government to assess the feasibility of deportations, amid its efforts to counter electoral gains made by the far-right in various member states of the bloc.