The German Interior Ministry is finalizing an agreement with the Taliban to facilitate the regular deportation of individuals with criminal records.
According to reports, two officials from Minister Alexander Dobrindt’s (CSU) department conducted negotiations in Kabul over the technical aspects of the returns, concluding their visit recently. A ministry spokesperson confirmed the discussions when contacted, following the officials’ departure.
Reports indicate that a preliminary agreement for routine deportations was reached between the ministry and the Taliban back in September. This initial understanding was reportedly established during discussions held in Doha, Qatar, led by a senior Berlin-based official.
The Taliban, who regained control of Afghanistan in the summer of 2021, maintain a liaison office in Doha, with which the German government maintains ongoing contact.
Negotiations with the Taliban have reportedly been successful. An oral agreement was reached in Doha, with assurances from the Taliban regarding the treatment of deportees in Afghanistan, specifically guaranteeing they will not face prosecution or the death penalty.
Notably, the Taliban are not expected to demand specific concessions in exchange for this cooperation. This has fostered optimism within the Interior Ministry, with the possibility of the first deportation flights from Germany to Kabul launching later this year.
According to security sources, the recent, smaller delegation’s trip to Kabul was focused on resolving remaining technical details. Discussions included procedures for future accompaniment of deportation flights by the German Federal Police. Furthermore, the German government intends to develop a reintegration program to assist deportees in settling back into Afghan society.
