Berlin [Germany], July 12 (ANI): Germany’s Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt has proposed transferring control of the Afghan consulate in Berlin to the “Taliban” administration to facilitate the deportation of Afghan refugees accused of crimes, Tolo News reported.
In comments to German media, Dobrindt clarified that the move would not constitute formal recognition of the “Taliban” government but was aimed at addressing legal and logistical hurdles that currently prevent deportations. He noted that he had reached an understanding on the matter with Germany’s Foreign Minister.
“One of the problems I recognize and needs to be resolved is how we can properly carry out deportations. Until we have an agreement, we cannot send anyone back to Afghanistan, and I cannot extend the detention period for deportation,” Dobrindt said.
Tolo News noted that the Afghan consulate in Berlin continues to operate under officials from the former Afghan government, which collapsed in 2021. Transferring control to the Islamic Emirate would enable coordination on deportations without Germany having to extend formal diplomatic recognition of the regime.
Responding to the proposal, Abdulmutalib Haqqani, spokesperson for the Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation of the Islamic Emirate, told Tolo News that Afghanistan would accept its citizens back, but only voluntarily and with financial support from Germany.
“We accept our citizens back from Germany, but it must be voluntary, not forced. Additionally, the German government should financially support their resettlement in Afghanistan so they can remain permanently,” Haqqani said.
On the question of how returning Afghans accused of crimes would be treated, he added: “Decisions will be made in accordance with Islamic Sharia law after verifying the documents.”
Germany has previously deported some Afghans convicted of serious crimes, but legal and political constraints have slowed the process. Dobrindt’s remarks come amid growing domestic and European pressure to address the presence of undocumented and criminal refugees, especially after waves of arrivals since the Taliban takeover in 2021.
The development also comes against the backdrop of widespread forced deportations of Afghans by neighboring Iran and Pakistan, where hundreds of thousands have been expelled over the past year, Tolo News reported.
(ANI)
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