Key points
- Authorities cite public safety and serious criminal convictions
- Germany continues limited humanitarian admissions alongside deportations
- Rights groups criticise returns citing Afghanistan security concerns
Berlin: Germany has deported an Afghan national to Kabul after he was convicted on criminal and security-related charges, the Interior Ministry said on Wednesday, reaffirming Berlin’s stance that removals are carried out on public safety grounds.
The ministry said the man had been convicted of armed robbery in the western state of North Rhine–Westphalia and was deported after completing his prison sentence, reports Khaama Press.
German migration authorities stressed that deportations involving Afghan nationals are generally limited to individuals convicted of serious crimes or those who fail to cooperate with identity verification and asylum procedures.
The deportation comes as thousands of Afghan citizens remain stranded in different countries after fleeing Afghanistan following the 2021 political transition.
Afghan nationals
According to official data, more than 220 Afghan nationals have been deported from Germany since 2018, even as Berlin maintains limited humanitarian admissions.
Human rights organisations have criticised deportations to Afghanistan, citing ongoing security and human rights concerns. German authorities, however, say removals are assessed on a case-by-case basis, balancing humanitarian responsibilities with the need to protect public safety.
