Germany Deports 31 Afghan Nationals to Taliban-Controlled Afghanistan Amid Controversy

On July 28, 2026, Germany carried out a deportation flight from Leipzig/Halle airport, returning 31 Afghan nationals to Afghanistan under a direct agreement with the Taliban government. The majority of those deported were convicted of serious crimes including manslaughter, attempted murder, rape, and sexual abuse of children. Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt described the individuals as "serious and very serious offenders." Notably, among the 31 deported, 30 had criminal records while one person, although not convicted, was found to be illegally residing in Germany after seeking asylum unsuccessfully in another European country.

The deportations mark a significant development as Germany is now conducting regular deportations to Afghanistan without relying on intermediary countries, following an agreement with the Taliban regime. Despite this, a previous planned mass deportation had to be canceled due to Taliban non-cooperation.

Eyewitnesses at Kabul airport reported that families awaited the returnees, who are likely to face interrogations by Taliban authorities before possible release based on family assurances. The German Interior Minister emphasized that those with rejected asylum claims must expect deportation, including individuals without criminal convictions.

Human rights organizations and critics have raised concerns about Germany's cooperation with the Taliban, given the regime's documented human rights abuses, especially against women. Concurrently, the United Nations' migration body (IOM) has noted an improved security situation in Afghanistan, particularly for men, though it continues to advise women against returning due to ongoing risks.

Afghanistan is enduring a severe humanitarian crisis, with widespread malnutrition affecting millions amid persistent droughts and earthquake impacts. This difficult context adds complexity to the deportations, intensifying debates about the ethics and safety of returning Afghan nationals, even those convicted of crimes, to Taliban-controlled territory.