The number of deportations from Germany has surged by approximately 20% this year, according to figures released by the federal government on Saturday. Between January and September 2023, a total of 17,651 individuals were deported, a sharp increase from 14,706 during the same period in 2022. This information was disclosed in response to a parliamentary inquiry by the Left Party in the lower house of parliament, known as the Bundestag.
Details of the Deportations
A significant portion of those deported were sent back to Turkey, with 1,614 individuals returned, followed closely by Georgia with 1,379 deportations. Alarmingly, nearly one in five of the deported individuals, totaling 3,095, were children or young adults.
The rise in deportations has sparked considerable criticism, particularly from opposition parties. Clara Bünger, an interior policy expert for the Left Party, voiced her concerns about the increasing numbers. In comments to the Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung, she stated, “When it comes to driving up the number of deportations, the authorities hardly know any taboos anymore.” Bünger further criticized the decision to conduct mass deportations to countries like Turkey, which she described as oppressive to left-wingers, Kurds, and political opposition.
Political Context and Reactions
The uptick in deportations occurs within a broader political climate in Germany, where immigration policy continues to be a contentious issue. The government’s handling of deportations has drawn scrutiny from various civil rights organizations and political groups. Many argue that the increase reflects a shift towards stricter immigration enforcement.
Bünger’s remarks underscore a growing concern among critics regarding the implications of such policies. The Left Party has consistently advocated for more humane treatment of migrants and refugees, emphasizing the need to protect vulnerable populations rather than subjecting them to deportation.
As Germany grapples with the complexities of immigration and asylum, these latest figures highlight a critical point of debate within the nation. The rise in deportations not only affects the individuals involved but also resonates throughout German society, prompting questions about human rights and the country’s commitment to international obligations.
