In a significant change the German government is preparing to initiate direct talks with the Taliban regime in Afghanistan to establish a formal agreement on deporting Afghan nationals, particularly those convicted of crimes.
The proposal comes amid heightened domestic pressure on migration following February’s national elections, where conservative coalition rode a wave of public concern over asylum inflows and high-profile incidents involving migrants.
Afghans remain the second-largest group of asylum seekers in Germany, with 34,149 applications filed in 2024 alone, according to the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF).
Critics, including Afghan advocacy groups and human rights organizations, warn of risks in engaging the Taliban, citing deteriorating conditions for women and minorities under their rule.
