Hamburg - Immigration authorities in the German city-state of Hamburg said Tuesday they will begin deporting Afghan refugees immediately following expiration of a nationwide moratorium, reported the dpa.

Hamburg thus becomes the first state in Germany to start deporting Afghan refugees after the moratorium expired April 30.

An estimated 3,000 Afghan refugees are now liable for deportation proceedings, which will begin Wednesday, the Hamburg authorities said.

Priority will be given to "volunteers" among single males in the 18-60 age group, it was said. Hamburg has a total 15,000 Afghan refugees