Germany Resumes Deportation of Afghan Nationals Amid Rising Immigration Concerns

Germany has deported Afghan nationals for the first time since August 2021 after the Taliban's return to power. This follows a deadly knife attack by a Syrian asylum seeker. Amid rising immigration concerns, Interior Minister Nancy Faeser proposes tightening knife laws and easing deportations.

Germany resumed deporting Afghan nationals on Friday, marking the first such action since the Taliban regained power in August 2021. Government sources labeled the deportees as convicted criminals but withheld details regarding their offenses.

This development follows a tragic knife attack in Solingen, where a Syrian asylum seeker, slated for deportation to Bulgaria last year, is now charged with murder and suspected terrorist activities. The Islamic State has claimed responsibility for this attack, although their claims remain unverified.

Interior Minister Nancy Faeser announced plans on Thursday to tighten knife laws and facilitate the deportation process, amidst an ongoing debate on immigration ahead of regional elections in Saxony and Thuringia.

(With inputs from agencies.)