Media reports revealed that there are direct negotiations with the Taliban on the issue of deportations. These represent the first direct talks between the two sides since the Taliban took power in Afghanistan in 2021. The German government seeks to facilitate deportation processes to Afghanistan.
Qatar hosted negotiations between German officials and Taliban ministers to discuss direct and regular deportations to Afghanistan. A German diplomatic delegation is scheduled to visit Afghanistan to continue negotiations mediated by Qatar.
The negotiations take place in the context of the German government’s efforts to expand deportations to Afghanistan, particularly for rejected asylum seekers convicted of violent crimes. The government plans to establish a systematic deportation process to Afghanistan, especially since the few deportations carried out so far took a long time due to relying on Qatar as a third party. It also aims to reduce the costs of deportations by using regular commercial flights instead of chartered planes.
Germany has carried out only two deportations to Afghanistan since the Taliban came to power there. After the second deportation, which took place two months ago and involved dozens of people convicted of violent crimes, Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt said, “Deportations to Afghanistan must remain safely possible in the future. There is no right of residence for dangerous criminals in our country.” Dobrindt indicated that the coalition agreement includes a commitment to expand deportations to Afghanistan.
A few weeks ago, Dobrindt spoke about the government’s efforts to hold direct negotiations with Afghanistan to facilitate deportations. Dobrindt said, “There is still a need for third parties to conduct talks with Afghanistan. This cannot remain a permanent solution. Direct agreements with Afghanistan must be reached to facilitate returns.”
