Frankfurt authorities have initiated deportation proceedings against Abdelkader Selmi, a 20-year-old Algerian national, despite his notable athletic success representing Germany. Selmi is a U22 boxing champion in Germany and is also completing an apprenticeship as a civil engineering specialist. However, he is scheduled to be deported from Germany in the coming weeks after his asylum application was rejected.

The boxer is primarily being deported due to a delay in the provision of valid identity documents, German local media reported.

Upon arriving in Germany in 2022 to seek asylum, Selmi reportedly presented only a photo of his passport, claiming his Algerian coaches had confiscated the original during a tournament in France to prevent athletes from fleeing. He submitted the official document later, but authorities maintain that his failure to provide timely proof of identity justifies removal.

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'Reliable and important team player'

Selmi has been living in Frankfurt since his arrival and is actively training in a high-demand field --civil and pipeline construction -- with the Südwestdeutsche Rohrleitungsbau GmbH. His employer, Dirk Heesen, described Selmi as a "reliable and important team player" and criticized the decision as "incomprehensible."

In addition to his professional contributions, Selmi competes for Eintracht Frankfurt’s boxing division.

After fleeing Algeria, where he says he faced racial discrimination and limited opportunities as a Black athlete, Selmi quickly settled into his new environment in Germany. In 2023, he won the national U22 title and has since continued competing at a high level in Germany, earning further accolades.

Public support and legal pushback

Despite legal and bureaucratic setbacks, public and political support for Selmi is growing. A petition to halt his deportation -- “Right of Residence for Abdelkader -- One of Us!” -- has gathered over 5,500 signatures. The petition was submitted to the Hessian State Parliament and the Darmstadt Regional Council and may initiate a hardship case review.

His legal representation contends that Selmi provided truthful personal information from the start and never attempted to conceal his identity. However, immigration authorities have labelled him an "identity denier" due to the initial lack of official documentation, the German daily Frankfurter Rundschau reported.

Algeria classified as 'safe country'

According to the Hessian Interior Ministry, Algeria is classified as a "safe country of origin," and asylum approval rates for Algerian nationals remain below 2 percent. Selmi’s asylum application was rejected on these grounds. Hesse’s Interior Minister Roman Poseck acknowledged the possibility of skilled migration paths, but stated that asylum procedures are unsuitable for those not facing political persecution. 

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Legal experts say that while there is a path to residency through vocational training, it is rarely exercised due to political constraints and restrictive policies.

Supporters argue that Selmi exemplifies "successful integration" and should not be penalized for circumstances beyond his control. His boxing coach, employer, vocational school, and members of the public have rallied behind him, urging authorities to reconsider his case.

Selmi has been summoned to an "exit plan meeting" and is expected to leave Germany if no intervention occurs, German local media reported.