Germany and Taliban reach diplomatic agreement on deportations

The German government, led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, has entered into a diplomatic agreement with the Taliban that allows Taliban officials to work within diplomatic missions in Berlin and Bonn. In exchange, Germany has secured the right to conduct direct deportations of Afghan migrants to Afghanistan, with the agreement allowing for up to three deportation flights per month.

This arrangement makes Germany the first European Union member state to permit Taliban officials to operate within its diplomatic missions. The deal covers the deportation of Afghan men who lack protected status or legal residency, in addition to those convicted of crimes.

Afghan refugees and human rights activists have expressed significant concerns regarding the safety of approximately 35,000 Afghans who arrived in Germany through special humanitarian programs. Critics fear that the increased Taliban presence in Germany could grant the regime access to sensitive information, potentially endangering activists and refugees who must interact with the regime to renew passports or extend humanitarian visas.