• Germany has deported 81 Afghan men convicted of crimes back to Afghanistan.
• This marks the second deportation operation since the Taliban regained control.
• The operation was facilitated by Qatar due to the lack of diplomatic relations with Taliban authorities.
• The German government seeks to implement tougher immigration policies.
• Human rights organizations oppose the deportations, citing the risks faced by returnees.

On July 18, Germany deported 81 Afghan men who had been convicted of crimes, signaling a decisive shift in its immigration stance as part of the government's effort to enhance deportation measures for criminals. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt stated, "Serious criminals have no right to residency in our country," elaborating that the deportees were all under expulsion orders confirmed by the criminal justice system, according to Dawn, TRTGlobal, and Le Monde.

The deportation was the first of its kind since the Taliban's return to power, resuming a practice that had been halted in 2021. This latest operation was supported by Qatar, which assisted in the logistical arrangements due to Germany's lack of formal ties with the Taliban-led government in Afghanistan. Dobrindt emphasized the necessity for "deportations to Afghanistan to continue to be carried out safely in the future," underlining a broader policy shift aimed at curbing irregular migration, according to Dawn and TRTGlobal.

However, the deportations have drawn significant criticism from human rights organizations, including the United Nations and Amnesty International. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk has called for an immediate halt to forced repatriations, highlighting the grave risks returned individuals face, including potential persecution and violence in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan. Amnesty International has denounced the conditions there as "catastrophic," citing issues such as extrajudicial executions and torture, according to Le Monde.

As the German government contemplates further reforms to its immigration policies, including stricter border controls and expedited deportation procedures, Dobrindt's comments indicate a commitment to a tougher stance on immigration, especially involving foreign nationals who are criminals. The political backdrop includes rising support for the far-right Alternative for Germany party, intensifying the public debate on immigration, as the political landscape in Germany shifts, according to Dawn and TRTGlobal.