Germany has begun deporting Turkish nationals, with the first 200 deported last week, and expects further deportations to follow. The German government has stated that it is in "constant contact" with Ankara regarding these "return operations." This comes amidst conflicting reports about a supposed agreement between Berlin and Ankara on deporting Turkish citizens without residency rights in Germany.
In a statement, the Turkish presidency denied any agreement to deport 500 Turkish nationals weekly, contradicting claims made by German officials. Turkish Foreign Ministry representatives clarified that deportations were not discussed during a recent meeting between German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan at the UN General Assembly in New York.
German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser confirmed that Germany is conducting intensive negotiations with all countries involved in deportations, including Turkey. She emphasized that deportations to Turkey will now proceed more swiftly, stating, "We have now achieved a state in which deportations to Turkey can be carried out more easily and quickly."
The number of asylum seekers from Turkey has drastically increased in recent years, particularly among Kurds facing oppression. Human rights organization Pro Asyl criticized the deportations, calling them "irresponsible." As of mid-year, approximately 14,500 Turkish nationals were awaiting deportation in Germany.
Speculation in German media suggests that Germany may offer concessions to Turkey in exchange for the deportations, including the easing of visa restrictions for Turkish citizens traveling to the EU. However, Berlin is cautious about announcing new deportations, considering the sensitive political climate in Ankara. The Turkish government is reportedly reluctant to appear compliant with German demands without reciprocal benefits.
The situation is further complicated by deteriorating sentiments in Turkey towards Syrian refugees, with some Turkish media and politicians alleging that Germany intends to deport individuals of all nationalities denied asylum, not just Turkish citizens.
This ongoing situation highlights the complexities of international migration policies and the delicate balance between national interests and humanitarian considerations.