Germany in talks with Uzbekistan for deporting Afghan refugees
Germany is in talks with Uzbekistan to potentially deport Afghan refugees who are not eligible for asylum status through Tashkent, without engaging in direct negotiations with the Taliban. According to reports from Der Spiegel, the German government is looking to formalize a migration agreement with Uzbekistan that could involve the deportation of Afghan refugees.
A delegation from the German Ministry of Internal Affairs recently visited Tashkent and proposed the idea of transferring Afghan deportation candidates from Germany to Tashkent, and then onward to Kabul using the private airline Kam Air. The Uzbek authorities have reportedly agreed to assist with the deportation process, but have requested the signing of a migration agreement that would also address the entry of Uzbek skilled workers into Germany.
The discussion around the expulsion of migrants from Germany who do not qualify for asylum status has gained momentum following an incident in Mannheim where an Afghan man attacked participants in a rally organized by the Islam-critical organization Pax Europa, resulting in the death of a policeman. It remains unclear how many Afghan citizens in Germany may be subject to deportation, with reports suggesting that around 13,000 Afghans are facing potential expulsion. However, many of these individuals are in a situation where deportation is currently not feasible, due to factors such as the risk of family separation or the unsafe conditions in their home country.
