Widespread Deportations of Afghan Migrants Intensify Across Asia and Europe

Widespread Deportations of Afghan Migrants Intensify Across Asia and Europe
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In a significant development, the Islamabad High Court on Thursday rejected a petition to halt the forced deportation of Afghan migrants from Pakistan, Khaama Press reported. The court stated it would not intervene in government policies, signalling an intensification of deportations. This decision comes as Pakistan continues to deport thousands of undocumented, and even some registered, Afghan refugees, a policy that has drawn widespread international criticism due to humanitarian concerns and risks faced by deportees returning to unstable Afghanistan.

Meanwhile, in Tajikistan, reports indicate authorities have forcefully deported over 150 Afghan refugees in recent days, as a 15-day ultimatum issued to all Afghan nationals nears its end. Many of those deported hold legal refugee status with UNHCR or are in the process of being resettled in Canada, causing distress and family separations. The abrupt expulsions, potentially linked to Russia’s recognition of the Taliban administration, have occurred despite international calls for Tajikistan to uphold refugee protection standards. Many deportees are former Afghan civil servants or military personnel facing severe risks under Taliban rule.

In Europe, Germany announced on Friday the deportation of 81 Afghan nationals with criminal offenses back to Afghanistan. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt stated that “serious criminals have no right to residency.” These deportations were facilitated by Qatar, as Berlin lacks official diplomatic relations with the Taliban-led interim government. Chancellor Friedrich Merz confirmed “technical contacts” with the Taliban but emphasized this does not constitute diplomatic recognition. Germany’s new conservative-led government aims to streamline deportations for rejected asylum seekers and those with criminal records.