German Government Plans Second Deportation Flight to Afghanistan Before Federal Election

Officials confirm plans to deport Afghan nationals convicted of crimes, denying any connection to the upcoming election.

The German government is preparing a second deportation flight to Afghanistan, targeting individuals convicted of serious crimes or deemed security threats.
The deportation is planned to occur within the next six weeks, with a deadline set for February 22, one day before the federal election.
The Federal Ministry of the Interior, led by Nancy Faeser, denies any link between the deportation timeline and the election date.
This would be the second deportation flight to Afghanistan since the Taliban regained control in August 2021; the first occurred in August 2024 and involved 28 individuals.
Challenges such as securing cooperation with third-party states and logistical arrangements remain critical factors in executing the plan.