In a firm continuation of efforts to deport Afghan migrants, German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt has stated that the process of deporting Afghan nationals who have committed crimes will proceed steadily and consistently.
Kabul 24: He emphasized that this policy will continue even if it requires direct talks with representatives of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan.Defending his government’s position, Dobrindt told German media: “Anyone who accuses me of deporting criminals, dangerous offenders, rapists or murderers to Afghanistan should answer the opposite question: Can Germany remain a safe country if these individuals are allowed to stay? No, and that is precisely why they will be deported.”
This strong stance reflects a broader shift in Germany’s migration policy toward stricter enforcement and public safety priorities. German authorities have already carried out several deportation flights to Kabul and are working on technical arrangements with Afghan officials to make returns more regular, including through commercial flights where necessary.
Meanwhile, Austria is actively exploring new routes to overcome logistical challenges in deporting Afghan nationals. European media report that Austria’s Interior and Foreign Ministers are scheduled to sign an agreement on May 7 during an official visit to Uzbekistan.
The deal aims to establish Uzbekistan as a transit corridor for returning Afghans to their homeland.Marcus Heindl, a representative of Austria’s Interior Ministry, stressed the importance of the agreement, describing it as “a significant step for the transit of individuals subject to deportation, particularly those being returned to Afghanistan.” Austria is coordinating closely with several other EU member states — including Germany, Denmark, Greece, and the Netherlands — to establish “return centers” and external mechanisms that will make the deportation process smoother, faster, and more orderly.
These parallel moves by Germany and Austria signal a growing consensus across Europe on the need for more effective return policies.
European officials argue that while diplomatic and logistical challenges exist due to the situation in Afghanistan, the safety and security of European citizens must remain the top priority.The developments come amid rising public concern over crime linked to some rejected asylum seekers and failed integration cases.
Both countries aim to reduce the burden on their asylum systems and send a clear message that serious criminal behavior will not be tolerated.With new transit arrangements and continued direct engagement, the number of successful deportations to Afghanistan is expected to increase in the coming months.
This coordinated European approach may serve as a model for other EU nations facing similar challenges in managing irregular migration and returns.
