Germany’s Rising Deportations: A Surge in Numbers and Concerns
Germany has witnessed a significant increase in the number of deportations over the past year, with a substantial rise in the number of individuals forcibly returned to their countries of origin or other EU member states. This surge has sparked contrasting reactions, with the Left party expressing alarm over the escalating number of involuntary transfers to Turkey and Iraq, while the governing Union coalition emphasizes the need to address challenges posed by deportable criminals and high-risk Islamists from countries like Syria and Afghanistan.
Increased Deportations to Turkey and Iraq
According to figures released by the German government, 1,087 individuals were deported to Turkey in 2024, a notable increase from 875 in 2023 and 515 in 2022. As of December 31, 2024, Germany still hosted 16,665 Turkish citizens who were required to leave the country, of which 13,600 had been granted temporary permission to remain, known as "Duldung" status, due to circumstances such as lack of travel documents or health issues.
The number of deportations to Iraq also saw a steep rise, with 699 individuals forcibly returned in 2024, more than double the 300 deportations the previous year. Unlike deportations to Turkey, the Iraqi returns involved the use of charter flights. By year’s end, 20,424 Iraqi citizens in Germany were subject to a deportation order, of which 1,888 did not have Duldung status.
Dublin Transfers and Main Destination Countries
In addition to deportations, Germany also executed a total of 5,827 Dublin transfers in 2024, a 22% increase from 2023. These involve the transfer of asylum seekers to other EU nations responsible for processing their applications. The majority of Dublin transfers were directed towards Austria, France, and Spain, with Afghan citizens constituting the largest group. Within the EU, Georgia and North Macedonia were the primary destinations for German deportations, with Turkey ranking third, followed by Albania and Serbia.
Asylum Applications from Syria and Challenges of Deportation
Syrians currently make up the largest group of asylum applicants in Germany, but the processing of their requests has been suspended until further notice by the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) following the overthrow of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in December 2024. This decision was made due to ongoing uncertainties and challenges in assessing the situation in Syria. However, authorities continue to explore possible Dublin transfers for Syrian asylum seekers.
Despite the suspension of deportations to Syria since 2012, Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser has indicated the government’s ongoing negotiations with various nations to facilitate such returns in the future, along with deportations to Afghanistan. A limited number of male Afghan criminals were repatriated in August 2024 with the assistance of Qatar.
Political Reactions and Concerns
The increase in deportations, particularly to Turkey, has drawn strong reactions from the Left party’s Clara Bünger, who emphasizes Turkey’s reportedly poor human rights record. Meanwhile, Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Minister Faeser have highlighted the higher number of deportations in 2024 compared to the previous year.
However, the Union coalition’s Andrea Lindholz has criticized the government’s approach, comparing the 2024 deportation figures to those prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and expressing concerns about expanded possibilities for deportable individuals to remain in Germany.
Conclusion
Germany’s heightened deportation efforts in 2024 reflect the ongoing challenges posed by the presence of unauthorized individuals, including those posing security risks. While the increase in deportations has drawn divergent reactions, both the government and opposition acknowledge the need to ensure public safety and uphold the rule of law while addressing concerns regarding the treatment and protection of individuals during this process.
