Germany Reports 20% Surge in Deportations Through September

The number of deportations from Germany has increased by approximately 20% this year, according to new government figures. Between January and September 2023, a total of 17,651 individuals were deported, up from 14,706 during the same period in 2022. This data was released on Saturday as part of the federal government’s response to an inquiry from The Left party in the Bundestag, Germany’s lower house of parliament.

The report indicates that the largest groups of deportees were sent back to Turkey and Georgia, with 1,614 individuals deported to Turkey and 1,379 to Georgia. Notably, almost one in five deportees, totaling 3,095, were children or young people.

In response to the rising numbers, Clara Bünger, an interior policy expert for The Left party, expressed strong opposition. She criticized the government’s approach to deportations, stating, “When it comes to driving up the number of deportations, the authorities hardly know any taboos anymore.” Her remarks were reported in the Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung newspaper.

Bünger highlighted concerns regarding the implications of deporting individuals to countries with questionable human rights records. She questioned the morality of what she termed “mass deportations to a country like Turkey, which oppresses left-wingers, Kurds and opposition figures.” Her comments reflect a growing concern among some factions in Germany regarding the government’s immigration policies and the treatment of vulnerable populations.

The increase in deportations comes amidst ongoing debates in Germany about immigration and asylum policies. Critics argue that the rise in deportations is indicative of a more hardline stance taken by authorities, potentially influenced by broader political currents in Europe. As Germany navigates its response to migration challenges, the latest data may further fuel discussions about the balance between national security and human rights.

The government has yet to provide a detailed explanation for the significant uptick in deportations, leaving many to speculate about the factors contributing to this shift. As the situation develops, it remains to be seen how these policies will affect Germany’s international standing and its treatment of asylum seekers and migrants.