ISLAMABAD: Germany Federal Ministry of the Interior Spokesperson Elena Singer stated on Wednesday, in an exclusive comment to Pakistan TV Digital, that it has held talks with Afghanistan’s de facto authorities to establish a formal process for deporting Afghan nationals.
Speaking to Pakistan TV Digital, the ministry spokesperson confirmed that discussions were held at a technical level with Kabul’s de facto authorities to create a structured mechanism for deporting Afghan migrants from Germany.
This development follows recent reports that Germany had offered certain Afghan individuals in Pakistan, who had been shortlisted for asylum in Germany. This includes a sum of €1,500 to forgo relocation to Germany and remain in Pakistan, or €5,000 to return to Afghanistan, a move that has caused dismay among asylum hopefuls.
In an official statement to Pakistan TV Digital, the spokesperson confirmed the new government’s policy to repatriate Afghan citizens, a move signaling a controversial engagement with the Taliban.
“The Federal Government is currently holding talks with the Afghan de facto authorities in order to establish a return mechanism that will allow the regular repatriation of Afghan citizens,” said Singer.
The ministry stated that this policy is part of the government’s “coalition agreement.”
The incumbent Friedrich Merz-led government in Germany, a coalition between the Christian Democrats and the Social Democrats, signed an agreement during their campaign pledging to take a tougher stance on migration and to resume deportations of Afghans and Syrians. This marks a departure from the previous administration, which had promised not to carry out such deportations.
The statement further noted that deportations “will be resumed, starting with criminals and persons considered a potential threat.”
This new diplomatic engagement follows a precedent set in July 2025, when “a first return operation under the current government took place, during which 81 Afghan citizens who had committed serious crimes in Germany were repatriated.”
Previously, deportations had been conducted with Qatar acting as an intermediary. However, this time Germany is engaging directly with the Afghan authorities.
The goal of the new talks is to move beyond one-off operations and establish a regularized process.
The spokesperson noted that the “return mechanism” is intended for Afghan citizens who “have no legal right to stay in Germany and are required to leave the country.”
This could potentially mean that deportations will be expanded to include Afghans whose asylum applications have been rejected and who are therefore residing illegally in Germany.
Moreover, the ministry’s use of the term “de facto authorities,” instead of “the Afghan government,” when referring to the Taliban, clearly indicates that Berlin is dealing with the group in power without recognizing it as the legitimate government.
The ministry acknowledged the sensitive nature of the negotiations, concluding that “no further information can be provided at this stage of the talks.”
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