Germany’s deportation of Afghan nationals is drawing growing scrutiny following reports of closer-than-acknowledged coordination with the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA).

An investigation by Germany’s public-serve TV broadcaster ZDF and its program ZDF Magazin Royale found that deportations were facilitated through multiple meetings between German officials and IEA representatives.

These reportedly took place at the Bonn office of the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) and at Berlin Brandenburg Airport, with a parallel probe by another Germany media company Norddeutscher Rundfunk confirming the contacts.

According to the reports, Afghan nationals were presented to IEA-linked officials to prepare deportation documents. Footage captured in April showed individuals identified as consular representatives leaving BAMF premises after meetings tied to deportation planning. German authorities described the interactions as “federal police measures,” insisting contacts remain technical and do not amount to formal recognition of the IEA.

The deportations form part of a broader tightening of migration policy. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt has defended the removals, particularly of convicted offenders, as a “crucial element” of enforcement. In recent months, Germany has carried out several deportations, including direct flights to Kabul and charter removals of Afghan men convicted of crimes.

However, the investigations allege that not only convicted individuals but also some single Afghan men without criminal records may have been targeted, intensifying criticism.

Human rights groups warn that deportations to Afghanistan could breach international law.

More than 250 NGOs have accused Berlin of failing to uphold protection commitments, while legal advocates caution that deportations may be carried out without adequate individual assessments.

The issue reflects a wider European dilemma. Several countries, including Austria, Greece, and the Netherlands, are exploring external arrangements such as “return hubs” to manage deportations. At the same time, EU engagement with IEA authorities — including recent visits to Kabul — has fueled concern among lawmakers that coordination could lend the group greater legitimacy.

Despite the criticism, Berlin has signaled it will continue deportations as part of a stricter migration approach, even as debate intensifies over the legal, ethical, and political implications of returning Afghans to Afghanistan.

Austria is expected to finalize a new migration agreement with Uzbekistan this week, with Interior Minister Gerhard Karner due to travel to Tashkent on May 7 to seal the deal that would see Afghan nationals deported via the Central Asian country.

According to Austrian media reports, Karner will be joined by Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger for the visit, which is aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation on migration and formalizing Uzbekistan as a key transit route for deportations.

The agreement would allow Afghan deportees to be transferred through Uzbekistan en route to Kabul, creating what officials describe as a “second route” alongside existing deportation pathways, which have largely been conducted via Istanbul.

Karner has said the deal would help establish “the conditions for the consistent implementation of deportations as part of a firm and fair asylum policy.” It is also expected to include provisions on the readmission of nationals, third-country citizens, and stateless individuals who entered the European Union through Uzbekistan.

The development follows reports last week that Austria planned to sign such an agreement as part of a broader European push to tighten migration controls and expand deportation mechanisms. Several European Union member states — including Denmark, Greece, Germany and the Netherlands — are exploring similar arrangements, including the use of so-called “return hubs” outside the bloc.

Austria has already deported several Afghan nationals since last year, signalling a shift in policy following the Islamic Emirate’s return to power in 2021. Officials say the proposed Uzbekistan route would play a key role in facilitating returns, particularly to Afghanistan.

Interior Ministry spokesman Markus Haindl previously described the deal as an important step in creating a viable transit pathway for deportations “especially Afghanistan,” underscoring Vienna’s efforts to accelerate removals of migrants without legal status.

In return, the agreement is expected to include measures to support legal migration from Uzbekistan to Austria, particularly focusing on the safe and regulated movement of skilled workers.

Uzbekistan, which remains heavily reliant on remittances from citizens working abroad, has in recent years sought to diversify migration destinations beyond traditional routes, particularly Russia.