Abgeschobene

Abgeschobene is a German term used to refer to people who have been deported from a country, typically after an asylum claim has been rejected or an enforceable removal order has been issued. The word comes from abschieben, to deport or remove; die Abgeschobenen is the plural form.

Legal context: In Germany and many EU states, a removal decision may be executed after appeals are exhausted or when authorities determine that the person has no protection status. Deportation can involve administrative detention, supervised departure, or cooperative arrangements with other countries. In EU asylum policy, mechanisms such as the Dublin Regulation can assign responsibility for an asylum claim to a specific member state, influencing who becomes an Abgeschobene. The procedures and safeguards vary by jurisdiction.

Rights and risk considerations: Deportations intersect with human rights considerations, including the non-refoulement obligation under international and European law, which prohibits sending individuals to places where they face persecution or serious harm. Individual assessments, continued protection claims, and possible humanitarian exemptions may delay or cancel removal. Critics argue that some deportations overlook risk or rights; supporters emphasize the enforcement of immigration rules and the integrity of asylum systems.

Usage and framing: The term is common in media, policy discussions, and legal contexts in German-speaking countries. It can carry political charge, reflecting debates over immigration control, asylum policy, and humanitarian protections. Related terms include Abschiebung (deportation), Rückführung (repatriation), and Asylverfahren (asylum procedure).