What's happened
Germany has deported 81 Afghan men convicted of crimes to Taliban-controlled Afghanistan, signaling a tougher stance on migration. The move follows a policy shift under Chancellor Friedrich Merz, with plans to expand deportations and establish external 'return hubs.' Critics warn of risks to returnees and condemn the deportations as unsafe. The EU remains divided on a unified approach.
What's behind the headline?
The recent deportation of 81 Afghan men by Germany marks a decisive shift in its migration policy, aligning with the government's broader agenda to tighten border controls and crack down on irregular migration. This move underscores a broader European debate about balancing security with humanitarian obligations. The EU's division on sanctions and migration measures reveals a lack of consensus, with some nations pushing for unilateral actions such as establishing 'return hubs' outside the bloc. Critics, including the UN and rights groups, highlight the risks faced by returnees, especially given Afghanistan's ongoing instability and reports of extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances. The German government’s emphasis on deporting convicted criminals signals a focus on public safety, but it risks undermining international law and human rights standards. The resumption of deportations also reflects domestic political pressures, with Chancellor Friedrich Merz seeking to demonstrate a tough stance on migration. The future of EU migration policy remains uncertain, with ongoing disagreements likely to hinder a unified approach. The next steps will involve balancing security interests with humanitarian concerns, and the potential for further unilateral actions by member states will continue to shape the debate.
What the papers say
Politico reports on the EU's divided stance and the bloc's focus on ceasefire efforts, emphasizing the lack of a unified position. Al Jazeera highlights the EU's internal disagreements and the ambitions of some countries to implement stricter migration measures, including 'return hubs' and deportations to Syria. The New Arab and AP News detail Germany's recent deportation of 81 Afghan men, with statements from Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt, framing it as part of a broader policy shift. The Independent and The Guardian provide context on Germany's previous pause on deportations and the political motivations behind the recent expulsions, including criticism from the UN and human rights organizations. These sources collectively illustrate the complex interplay between national security, migration policy, and international law within the European context.
How we got here
Germany's return to deporting Afghan nationals began after the Taliban regained control in 2021, halting deportations and closing its embassy in Kabul. The previous government paused deportations due to safety concerns, but the current government under Friedrich Merz has resumed expulsions, citing legal grounds and crime statistics. The EU's migration policy remains fragmented, with some countries pushing for stricter measures and others advocating for humanitarian considerations.
Go deeper
Common question
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Why is Germany resuming Afghan deportations now?
Germany has recently resumed deportations of Afghan nationals, signaling a shift in its migration policies. This move raises questions about the reasons behind the change, the risks involved for deported individuals, and the broader political and European responses. Below, we explore the key questions surrounding Germany's renewed deportation efforts and what they mean for migration in Europe.
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Why is Germany deporting Afghan criminals now?
Germany has recently resumed deporting Afghan nationals, including those convicted of crimes, amid ongoing debates within the EU about migration policies. This shift raises questions about safety, legality, and the broader European stance on deportations. Many wonder what has changed to prompt this move and what it means for Afghan returnees and EU unity on migration. Below, we explore the reasons behind Germany's actions and the wider implications for Europe.
More on these topics
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Germany, officially the Federal Republic of Germany, is a country in Central and Western Europe. Covering an area of 357,022 square kilometres, it lies between the Baltic and North seas to the north, and the Alps to the south.
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Alexander Dobrindt is a German politician of the Christian Social Union of Bavaria. Between 2013 and 2017, he served as Federal Minister of Transport and Digital Infrastructure in the government of Chancellor Angela Merkel.
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Friedrich Merz is a German lawyer and politician. A member of the Christian Democratic Union, he served as a Member of the European Parliament from 1989 to 1994 and was elected to the Bundestag from 1994 until 2009, where he chaired the CDU/CSU parliament
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Afghanistan, officially the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, is a landlocked country at the crossroads of Central and South Asia.
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The United Nations is an intergovernmental organization that aims to maintain international peace and security, develop friendly relations among nations, achieve international cooperation, and be a centre for harmonizing the actions of nations.
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Olaf Scholz is a German politician serving as Federal Minister of Finance and Vice Chancellor under Chancellor Angela Merkel since 14 March 2018.