Turning point in German migration policies: asylum applications drop and forced repatriations increase. This is how remigration to Germany works
Germany has started repatriating criminals to Afghanistan. After the 81 offenders sent back to Kabul in mid-July, yesterday another 25 were sent by plane directly from prison, on a flight departing from Leipzig in the middle of the night. At the same time, Berlin continue to deal with the Syria to empty their prisons of immigrants who have committed crimes, mostly violence and sexual crimes. Some results can already be seen as a perception on the part of those who want to go to the Republic led by the chancellor Friedrich Merz: since the end of March, Germany has no longer been Europe’s top asylum destination, thanks to the sharp drop in requests from Ukraine And Syria.
They haven’t flaunted the latest repatriations, since Berlin. The weekly Spiegel he found the news and gave it yesterday: a charter flight took off after midnight on Monday from Leipzigwith 25 Afghans with criminal records on board, transferred to the airport directly from prison. The plane made a stopover in Türkiyea Trebizondand then head to Kabul.
The repatriation route and confidential negotiations with the Taliban
The “remigrants” were guilty of various crimes, including theft, receiving stolen goods, drug trafficking, gang rape, manslaughter, kidnapping, kidnapping for extortion and “politically motivated” crimes. No details have been released regarding this last crime. According to the German weekly, this transfer was treated confidentially between the German authorities and the German government Taliban. In February, there were 20 more offenders sent back Afghanistan. But the biggest expulsion was last July, when they were put on a plane for Kabul 81 people, all affected, following a negotiation which involved the mediation of Qatargiven that formally there are no official diplomatic relations with theAfghanistan.
Even if these are subjects who have committed crimes, the United Nations and many NGO they do not look favorably on these bilateral agreements, both with theAfghanistan both with the Syria. And also theEU is moving slowly on the matter, despite pressure from many member states, with the excuse that a Kabul ea Damascus human rights are often violated and detainees risk torture and severe deprivation.
The stalemate in Brussels and the diplomatic rush in Berlin
Last October 21st there was a sensational episode. Ten European countries, including Germany, Italy, Sweden, Netherlands And Polandthey wrote a letter to Brussels stating that «the EU must give a decisive and coordinated response to regain control over migration and security». And they indicated the expulsion of Afghans “without the right of residence” among the tasks that the government must undertakeEU. According to that document, as of the end of October there were approximately 22,870 Afghans in the country.EUwho had received a repatriation decision in 2024. But only 435 people actually returned to their country of origin.
There Germanytired of waiting, is moving alone and using its own diplomatic channels. He is also doing it with the Syrians, considering that a Damascus it’s no longer there Assadbut a regime well seen byEuropeeven if led by a cleverly cleaned-up ex-Islamic terrorist as Ahmad al Shara. Technically, forEU theAfghanistan and the Syria they are “unsafe” countries of origin. The government of Taliban is not internationally recognized and there is no legal basis for joint expulsions ofEU.
European political realism and the new scenario of asylum requests
Beyond the prudence of the Union, thanks to the decision with which the Germany is making its way with Afghans and Syrians, even theItaly feels less alone. Or rather, criticized at home for the agreement with theAlbaniathe government Melons in reality it is not so much just about immigration, at least in the Europe that matters. Another example comes from United Kingdomled by Labour, which last week signed a new agreement with the France to collaborate in stopping illegal immigrants who want to cross the Sleeve. All with the provision of robust economic incentives in favor of the French police by the government of Keir Starmer.
And just yesterday, theFederal Office for Migration and Refugees Of Berlin made it known that the Germany is no longer the first asylum destinationEurope. In the first quarter, applications fell by 23% compared to the same period in 2025 and for the first time the Germany loses first place to drop to fourth, immediately behindItaly. Be careful, though, because Germany, Italy, Spain And France they continue to represent a total of 75% of all first asylum applications on the continent. Long denied, there is also a law of supply and demand regarding illegal immigration.
