Germany triples deportation flights to Afghanistan under Dobrindt amid Taliban talks

Germany’s Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt has announced plans to triple monthly deportation flights to Afghanistan, as the federal government escalates efforts to return rejected asylum seekers—starting with convicted criminals—amid ongoing negotiations with Taliban authorities.

Speaking to *Handelsblatt* and *Die Zeit* on Sunday, Dobrindt (CSU) confirmed that up to three charter flights per month will now depart for Kabul, a sharp increase from previous sporadic removals. The move follows closed-door discussions at “technical level” with Taliban representatives, according to *FAZ* and *Welt am Sonntag*, which reported that around 100 convicted offenders are currently awaiting deportation. The policy targets individuals with criminal records, though human rights groups warn it risks violating international law.

Amnesty International condemned the expansion on Sunday, urging European governments to halt all deportations to Afghanistan, citing “unlawful expulsions” and the Taliban’s systematic repression of dissent, women, and minorities. The organisation’s statement, echoed across multiple outlets including *New Kerala* and *IANS*, argues that the security situation remains too volatile for safe returns. “Forcing people back into a country where their lives and freedoms are at grave risk is a violation of international obligations,” Amnesty said .

The federal government’s shift reflects a hardening stance on migration, with Dobrindt framing the measure as a deterrent against irregular arrivals. Interior Ministry officials have privately described the Taliban talks as pragmatic, focusing on logistical assurances rather than political recognition. However, critics argue the approach normalises a regime accused of human rights abuses, including extrajudicial killings and gender apartheid.

Germany’s Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) has not yet published updated deportation guidelines, but regional authorities in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg confirmed they are preparing lists of eligible individuals. Legal challenges are expected, with advocacy groups preparing emergency injunctions to block removals under the European Convention on Human Rights.

The policy comes as the EU grapples with record asylum claims and rising political pressure to curb irregular migration. While other member states have paused deportations to Afghanistan, Dobrindt’s initiative signals Berlin’s willingness to pursue high-volume returns despite international criticism. The first flights could depart within weeks, pending final security assessments by German and Taliban officials.