Germany’s Bavaria state is stepping up deportations of foreign nationals with criminal records, especially from Afghanistan and Syria. The move is part of a tougher migration policy announced by Bavarian Premier Markus Söder.
Speaking at a recent press event, Söder stressed that Bavaria is enforcing new rules faster than other regions. He said foreign criminals and human traffickers will now face quicker arrest and deportation.
“Law and order prevail in Bavaria. Foreign criminals must be decisively deported—even to Afghanistan and Syria,” Söder said. “The new principle is simple: more deportations, fewer admissions.”
His remarks highlight a larger change in Germany’s national migration strategy. Authorities are now giving more power to individual states like Bavaria to handle deportations independently. This shift has raised concerns among Afghan residents in Germany, who fear being sent back despite ongoing instability in their home country.
Some Afghan community members say the federal government is increasingly treating refugees with a hard hand, especially those with legal troubles. They believe the policy ignores personal circumstances and growing threats in conflict zones.
Political expert Najib Rahman Shamal explained that Germany has recently tightened its rules on refugees involved in criminal activities. “These countries have strengthened their borders and applied strict limitations,” he said.
Alireza Karimi, a refugee rights advocate, called Söder’s comments harsh. He believes the policy marks a strong legal shift in how Germany treats refugees. “Insisting on deportation of Syrians and Afghans is not only controversial—it reflects a change in the legal stance of German states,” he said.
This new deportation drive follows an action on July 17, when 81 Afghan nationals were sent back to Kabul. It was the second such mass deportation this year.
In response, Afghanistan’s caretaker government has taken steps to provide better support for its citizens abroad. Two diplomats, Nebras-ul-Haq Aziz and Mostafa Hashimi, have been appointed to the Afghan embassy in Germany. A source close to the matter said their goal is to assist Afghan nationals needing consular help.
Afghanistan’s Acting Foreign Minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, confirmed the appointment of the diplomats. He also expressed hope for improved talks with Germany in the near future.
“We will have future negotiations with Germany, and we thank Qatar for helping us reach this point,” Muttaqi said. He credited Qatar’s mediation efforts over several months for allowing the diplomats’ arrival in Germany.
Meanwhile, Afghan officials have announced plans to reopen the passport office in Bonn. This office has been closed for nearly four years, creating major issues for Afghan citizens in Europe. The center is expected to resume operations soon.
Shoib Baryalai, Director of Consular Services, said the reopening would help solve passport-related problems. “God willing, passports will soon be issued from Bonn. This will help many Afghans living across Europe,” he said.
Although Germany maintains that its relationship with Afghanistan’s interim government is unofficial and only technical, some experts see signs of a shift. They suggest that Germany may slowly be moving toward direct contact.
Political analyst Shamal noted: “In the past, talks with the Afghan side happened only through third parties. Now Germany appears open to direct dialogue, especially about deportation matters.”
The diplomats appointed have strong backgrounds. Aziz worked at the Islamic Emirate’s political office in Qatar, while Hashimi served in Afghanistan’s Consular Affairs Department.
These developments follow a request by Germany’s Interior Minister for direct talks with the Afghan caretaker government. This could mark the start of more official cooperation, even as deportation policies grow stricter.