German Deportations Decline for First Time in Five Years in Early 2026

Germany witnessed a significant decline in deportations during the first quarter of 2026, marking the first drop in five years. A total of 4,807 people were deported from Germany between January and March, representing a 21 percent decrease or 1,344 fewer than the same period in 2025. This trend was revealed in responses to parliamentary inquiries by Clara Bünger, the refugee policy spokeswoman for the Left Party.

The largest number of deportees were sent to Turkey (601), followed by Georgia (266) and North Macedonia (230). Deportations also targeted Spain, Morocco, Algeria, and to a lesser extent Afghanistan with 27 individuals returned despite controversial human rights concerns. Deportations to Iran and Syria were minimal, with 3 people each. The reduction in deportations is partly attributed to disrupted flight connections to Iran and Iraq amid ongoing conflicts, which restricted removals to these countries. Moreover, a possible connection between fewer unauthorized entries and reduced Dublin transfers of asylum seekers within the EU was noted by authorities.

Among those deported were vulnerable demographics, including 547 children under 13, 146 teenagers, and 106 seniors over 60 years old. Despite the decline, critics like Bünger have called the deportation numbers "still too high," especially regarding removals to repressive regimes such as Iran. Several German states have already halted deportations to Iran due to the regime's oppressive policies.

The federal government holds an agreement with the Taliban regime in Afghanistan aimed at regular deportations of convicted criminals, despite not officially recognizing the Taliban government. This move has sparked additional controversy and calls from Left Party members for a complete deportation stop and improved pathways for legal residence. The Federal Office for Migration and Refugees is currently processing older asylum cases, potentially influencing future deportation statistics.