A charter flight organized by the German government landed in Berlin today, bringing 160 Afghan nationals to safety. These individuals had previously received promises of resettlement following the Taliban’s takeover of Kabul, some dating back several years. However, the arrival comes as hundreds more Afghans in Pakistan await news of their own resettlement applications, many of whom have recently been denied by the German government.
Delayed Resettlement and Ongoing Uncertainty
The 160 individuals who arrived in Berlin had been waiting in Pakistan for security checks and visa approvals. They will now be distributed among Germany’s federal states. The situation highlights the complex and often protracted process of resettling vulnerable populations. According to the Federal Ministry of the Interior, 154 of those arriving were part of the Federal Admission Program, with one former local employee and five family members also on board.
Currently, 76 individuals remain in Pakistan awaiting visas under the local employee program, and 465 Afghans are awaiting visas through the Federal Admission Program.
Shifting Policies and Legal Challenges
Following the 2021 Taliban takeover, Germany pledged to accept at-risk Afghans through four programs. However, the current coalition government agreed to end “voluntary federal admission programs as far as possible” and not establish new ones. Despite this shift, some individuals from the Federal Admission Program successfully sued for visa issuance, leading to renewed consideration of their cases.
Recent Denials and Financial Offers
In recent days, hundreds of Afghans—previously promised consideration under a “human rights list” and a bridging program—received rejection notices from the German government. They were informed that Germany no longer had a political interest in their admission. Many former local employees of the German government also received similar denials.
According to Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt, approximately 600 individuals lack a legally binding admission promise. These individuals have been offered financial assistance by the German government to facilitate their return to Afghanistan or relocation to another accepting country.
Protests and Impending Deadlines
Several human rights organizations are planning protests outside the Bundestag on Wednesday, advocating for the admission of at-risk Afghans. They are calling for the immediate evacuation of those with admission promises from Pakistan and a swift completion of security checks for other vulnerable individuals. Organizations involved include Amnesty International Germany, the International Rescue Committee, Kabul Airbridge, Pro Asyl, and Terre des Hommes.
Germany is facing a deadline from Pakistan, which has stated it will begin deporting Afghans to Afghanistan by the end of the year if their cases are not resolved. However, the border to Afghanistan is currently closed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What programs were Afghan nationals being considered under?
Afghan nationals were being considered under four programs: programs for former local employees, a “human rights list,” a bridging program, and the Federal Admission Program.
How many Afghans are still awaiting a decision on their visa applications?
Currently, 76 individuals are awaiting visas under the local employee program, and 465 Afghans are awaiting visas through the Federal Admission Program.
What is the German government offering to those whose applications have been denied?
The German government is offering financial assistance to approximately 600 individuals whose applications have been denied, to help them return to Afghanistan or relocate to another accepting country.
What impact will the impending deadline from Pakistan have on the situation?
