Afghanistan under Taliban sees German tourism promotion and deportation flights

A German documentary aired on ARD that follows journalist Markus Spieker as he joins a tour group in Afghanistan to examine the Taliban regime’s effort to market the country to international tourists. The film, titled “Ferien bei den Taliban,” depicts the contrast between scenic attractions and the strict controls that exclude women from public life, highlighting the contradictions of a tourism push under an authoritarian rule.

At the same time, German authorities carried out another charter flight from Leipzig/Halle Airport to Kabul, deporting Afghan nationals whose asylum applications had been rejected. The flight was confirmed by the Saxon interior ministry and is based on a bilateral agreement with the Taliban that allows Germany to return individuals without third‑country transit. Families in Kabul awaited the arrivals, while officials noted that returnees may face interrogation before any possible release.