Afghan nationals with no criminal convictions are being held in immigration detention in Germany pending deportation, according to a report by German daily taz, raising questions over whether some cases are consistent with Berlin's stated deportation policy.

The newspaper said at least five Afghan nationals without criminal records are being held in deportation detention facilities across Germany, citing its own investigation into recent cases involving Afghan migrants.

The report said the detainees face deportation despite having no known criminal convictions. Germany's Federal Ministry of the Interior had not publicly commented on the findings.

According to taz, several of those detained are being held in Bavaria, while another is being held in Hesse. A sixth Afghan man awaiting deportation in Lower Saxony was temporarily released after refugee support organisations intervened.

The newspaper said two of the six had previously returned to Germany under the European Union's Dublin Regulation, which determines which member state is responsible for processing an asylum application. The other four were reportedly detained by Germany's Federal Police after re-entering the country.

German authorities have said deportations remain focused on people convicted of serious crimes or those regarded as threats to public security. Officials have repeatedly said returns to Afghanistan are intended primarily for people convicted of violent or sexual offences, major drug-related crimes or those classified as security risks.

According to The Khaama Press News Agency, Germany resumed deportations of Afghan nationals in 2024 after suspending removals following the Taliban's return to power in August 2021. The policy change followed months of political debate over migration and public security, with the government saying deportations would be limited to offenders posing significant risks.

The first deportation flight under the renewed policy departed in August 2024, returning 28 Afghan nationals with logistical support from Qatar. Media reports also indicate about 215 Afghan nationals have since been deported under the resumed policy.