The number of deportations in Germany has increased by more than a third in the first quarter of this year, according to a report by the “Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung” (NOZ). A total of 4791 people without residency status were deported from Germany by the end of March, representing a 34 percent increase compared to the same period last year. North Macedonia was the top country for repatriating its citizens, followed by Turkey and Georgia. However, many deportations still do not go through, with 7048 planned returns failing in the first quarter of the year due to individuals being untraceable or flight cancellations, rather than medical reasons.
Clara Bünger, a Left Party politician who submitted the inquiry according to the NOZ, criticized the German government for what she called a “deportation frenzy.” She stated that the authorities seem to be losing their moral inhibitions and that the number of deportations is rising even though there are fewer people obligated to leave the country.
The report also highlights the challenges and difficulties in carrying out deportations, with a significant number of planned returns failing to materialize in the first quarter of the year. Many of the deportees were reportedly untraceable or experienced flight cancellations, suggesting logistical issues in the deportation process. Medical grounds were cited as a reason for deportation failure much less frequently compared to other factors.
Despite the increase in the number of deportations, there are concerns about the effectiveness and ethical implications of such practices. Critics argue that deportations contribute to a sense of fear and uncertainty among migrant communities and may not address the root causes of migration. The rise in deportations comes at a time when the number of individuals who are obligated to leave the country is decreasing, leading to questions about the need for such aggressive deportation measures.
The data on deportations in Germany sheds light on the complexities and challenges of managing migration and enforcing immigration laws. As the number of deportations increases, there is a growing debate about the ethics and effectiveness of such practices. Critics argue that deportations do not address the underlying issues that drive migration and may create more social divisions and injustices. The German government faces scrutiny over its deportation policies and the impact they have on migrant communities and society as a whole.
