The German federal government is significantly expanding the deportation of criminal offenders to Afghanistan. According to reporting by Bild am Sonntag, following confidential technical-level negotiations between representatives of the Federal Ministry of the Interior and the Afghan de facto Taliban government, the deployment of charter flights will be massively increased, making up to three flights per month possible to Kabul.
In addition to these dedicated charter flights, returns via regular commercial air routes will continue to be available at all times. The newspaper also reports that there are currently at least one hundred Afghan criminals who are deportable, currently held either in standard detention or in immigration custody.
Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU) stressed the commitment to consistent enforcement, telling Bild am Sonntag that deportations of criminals to Afghanistan are conducted “regularly and reliably.” He asserted that anyone who abuses the protection offered within Germany and commits serious offenses must seek opportunities in their home country. Dobrindt added that society has a legitimate vested interest in ensuring that convicted criminals depart the country, and he promised that this would be enforced consistently.
