By V.E.K.Madhushani, Jadetimes News
Renewed Deportations and Tighter Asylum Measures Follow Deadly Attacks
Germany has resumed the deportation of convicted Afghan offenders, marking the first such action since the Taliban's return to power in Afghanistan three years ago. This renewed policy comes in the wake of heightened public concern following a deadly stabbing at a street festival in Solingen, where three people were killed. The suspect, a 26 year old Syrian refugee facing deportation, has fueled a national debate on asylum rules and security measures.
The deportation flight, which departed from Leipzig early on Friday, carried 28 Afghan men who had been convicted of various offenses and had exhausted their rights to remain in Germany. Government spokesperson Steffen Hebestreit confirmed that these individuals were subject to deportation orders due to their criminal convictions.
Germany had previously halted deportations to Afghanistan in 2021 following the Taliban’s takeover and the ensuing instability. Despite having no formal diplomatic ties with the Taliban government, Chancellor Olaf Scholz stated that deportations of Afghans and Syrians would proceed, especially in light of recent violent incidents, including the fatal stabbing of a police officer in Mannheim by an Afghan man last May.
The recent killings in Solingen have intensified scrutiny over Germany’s asylum policies. The suspect, identified as Issa Al H., is under investigation for links to the Islamic State (IS) militant group. Although he was slated for deportation to Bulgaria last year, the process failed due to logistical issues.
In response to the Solingen attack and ahead of upcoming regional elections, Germany’s coalition government has announced a series of measures aimed at tightening asylum and security protocols. These include bans on carrying knives at public events and on public transport, with a specific prohibition on flick knives. The government is also proposing the expedited deportation of foreign nationals convicted of knife related crimes.
Interior Minister Nancy Faeser stated that asylum seekers who have registered in another European Union country will lose access to welfare benefits in Germany. This move aligns with the EU’s Dublin Regulation, which mandates that asylum applications be processed in the first EU country of entry. Faeser assured that no individuals would be left destitute, as their welfare needs would fall under the jurisdiction of the responsible EU country.
The announcement of these measures comes as Germany’s three ruling parties the Social Democrats, Greens, and Liberal FDP face challenges in regional elections in Thuringia and Saxony. The far right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party is currently polling strongly, and the government’s response to asylum and immigration issues is under intense scrutiny.
Chancellor Scholz, visiting Solingen, pledged to enhance efforts to deport individuals deemed ineligible to remain in Germany. He emphasized the importance of maintaining public safety and addressing concerns raised by recent violent incidents linked to asylum seekers. The proposed legislative changes will require parliamentary approval before they can be implemented.
The heightened focus on deportations and asylum rules reflects broader tensions within Germany as it navigates complex immigration and security challenges.
