Fate of Hundreds of Afghan Nationals Promised German Admission in Pakistan Remains Uncertain
The fate of hundreds of Afghan citizens who were previously promised admission by Germany remains shrouded in uncertainty. A spokesperson for the German federal government announced on Friday that approximately 450 Afghans, including individuals under the federal admission program and former local employees, are still in Pakistan.
The German Federal Foreign Office stated that the agreement preventing the deportation of these individuals from Pakistan to Afghanistan expired at the start of this calendar year. This development has heightened concerns about their residency and security status, especially given that returning to Taliban-controlled Afghanistan could pose serious risks.
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Germany’s Interior Ministry emphasized that all these individuals must undergo security screenings. According to the spokesperson, entry into Germany will only be possible if no information or evidence is found during these checks that would prevent their admission.
The Foreign Office added that the federal government is still making serious efforts to keep these Afghans in Pakistan at least until the completion of the review process. It said talks among the relevant parties are ongoing, although the previous agreement with Pakistan was only valid until December 31.
After assuming office in May, Alexander Dobrindt, Germany’s Federal Interior Minister, announced a review of all admission procedures. Under the new plan, only those who officially have promises of admission from the federal Afghan admission program or the former local employees process will be allowed entry to Germany, and obligations arising from other programs will no longer have legal force.
According to the Interior Ministry, approximately 750 Afghans have arrived in Germany since September, with the most recent arrival on December 22. When asked about plans for future flights, the ministry’s spokesperson declined to comment.
