BERLIN: Germany deported 30 Afghan asylum seekers to Kabul on a charter flight from Leipzig airport on Tuesday, as the country expands deportations beyond convicted criminals and people considered security threats.
The flight departed Leipzig early on August 25, with German media reporting that some of those deported had no criminal record. The Afghans were transported to the airport in security vehicles before boarding the aircraft, which was scheduled to stop in Trabzon, Türkiye, before continuing to Kabul.
Germany Expands Afghan Deportations
The latest flight reflects a shift in Germany’s approach towards Afghan asylum seekers. Since July, Berlin has no longer restricted deportations to convicted criminals and individuals considered dangerous by authorities.
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The policy now also covers Afghans whose asylum applications have been rejected and who no longer have legal permission to remain in Germany.
Protesters gathered at Leipzig airport as the deportees were taken to the terminal, opposing their return to Taliban-ruled Afghanistan.
Human rights campaigners have raised concerns over conditions in Afghanistan and warned that some returnees could face persecution, harassment or detention.
Germany also deported 31 Afghan nationals to Kabul earlier this month. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt confirmed that one person on that flight had no previous criminal conviction.
Since the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan five years ago, Germany has deported 257 Afghan asylum seekers to Kabul.
