Germany resumed deportations to Afghanistan on Friday, Aug. 30, marking a significant shift in its migration policy. This decision comes nearly three years after deportation to Afghanistan stopped due to safety concerns following the Taliban’s return to power in 2021. The flight carried 28 Afghan nationals, individuals German authorities identified as convicted criminals, from Leipzig to Kabul.

This move reflects the growing pressure on Germany’s coalition government to adopt a tougher stance on migration, particularly following recent high-profile crimes linked to asylum-seekers.

Last week’s knife attack in Solingen, allegedly carried out by a Syrian asylum-seeker with ties to the Islamic State, resulted in three deaths and has intensified public debate. The suspect previously evaded a deportation order to Bulgaria, further fueling scrutiny of the government’s migration policies.

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Earlier this week, Chancellor Olaf Scholz responded to the Solingen attack by pledging to tighten deportation laws and crack down on knife regulations. His government faces increased pressure ahead of key regional elections and passed legislation aimed at streamlining deportations.

The resumption of deportations also aligns with upcoming regional elections in Saxony and Thuringia, where the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party is gaining support by advocating for stricter immigration controls.

Interior Minister Nancy Faeser announced plans to further tighten security measures, including new knife laws, in response to the Solingen attack.

However, human rights organizations criticized the decision to deport individuals to Afghanistan. The groups argued that the country remains unsafe under Taliban rule and that the move could violate international law.