Germany Resumes Deportations of Afghan Criminals

Germany has resumed deportations of convicted Afghan criminals for the first time since August 2021, following a deadly knife attack in Solingen that heightened security concerns. A flight carrying 28 Afghan deportees departed from Leipzig/Halle Airport, organized by the German government with Qatar as an intermediary, as Germany does not have diplomatic relations with the Taliban. Each deportee received €1,000 and was accompanied by a doctor, reflecting the government's cautious approach to these deportations. The move is part of a broader tightening of immigration policies, prompted by recent incidents involving Afghan and Syrian nationals, and comes ahead of regional elections where anti-immigration sentiments are rising. Additionally, there are new legislative proposals aimed at stricter asylum regulations, including the potential loss of asylum status for individuals who vacation in their home country. The situation underscores the ongoing political and social challenges surrounding immigration in Germany.