Bavaria's Tough Stance: Germany Tightens Deportation Policies

In a firm reiteration of Bavaria's migration stance, Premier Markus Soder has stressed the swift deportation of foreign criminals, including those from Afghanistan and Syria. This move is part of Germany's ongoing effort to adopt a tougher migration policy, reports by Tolo News suggest.

Soder emphasized that Bavaria's stricter measures mean that criminals face faster arrests and deportations compared to other regions of Germany. 'Law and order prevail in Bavaria. Foreign criminals must be decisively deported,' he declared, signaling a decisive shift in immigration policy towards fewer acceptances and more deportations.

Amidst these developments, fears have grown among Afghan nationals in Germany, who perceive increased federal government restrictions on foreigners, particularly Afghans. Political analyst Najib Rahman Shamal and refugee rights activist Alireza Karimi have both noted the harsher policies towards refugees. Meanwhile, on July 17, Germany deported 81 Afghans to Kabul, marking significant action within the year.

In response to the deportations, Afghanistan has appointed diplomats Nebras-ul-Haq Aziz and Mostafa Hashimi to its embassy in Germany. Although unnamed officially, these diplomats aim to offer consular services. Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi expressed optimism about future discussions with Germany, crediting Qatar for mediating the diplomatic appointments.

The Director of Consular Services announced plans to reactivate a passport issuance center in Bonn, Germany, to address documentation issues for Afghans in Europe. While Germany maintains that its relations with Afghanistan's caretaker government are technical, analysts like Najib Rahman Shamal interpret these moves as indicative of a gradual shift in diplomatic engagement.

(With inputs from agencies.)