Germany's Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt has announced plans to initiate direct negotiations with the Taliban to establish agreements for the deportation of Afghan migrants, particularly those convicted of crimes, from Germany. Since the Taliban seized power in Afghanistan in 2021, Germany has not maintained formal diplomatic relations with the regime, relying instead on third-party intermediaries for discussions. Dobrindt emphasized that third-party mediation cannot be a permanent solution and expressed a desire for a lasting agreement to facilitate deportations. This policy shift aims to accelerate the return of Afghan nationals, with deportation flights having quietly resumed since August 2024. However, the United Nations has strongly criticized Germany's plan, deeming it inappropriate to return Afghans given the current conditions in Afghanistan under Taliban rule, which include human rights abuses such as the repression of women and regular reports of torture and killings. Meanwhile, a Berlin administrative court ruled that the German government must honor visa promises made to a 14-member Afghan family awaiting resettlement in Germany under a humanitarian admissions program. The court decision obligates the government to issue visas to vulnerable Afghans, including women’s rights activists, journalists, judges, artists, and democracy advocates, despite ongoing security concerns. German Foreign Minister Johannes Wadephul clarified that Berlin maintains only technical contacts with Taliban representatives and rejects broader diplomatic relations. The debate over Germany's approach to Afghan migration and deportation continues amid political and humanitarian challenges.