Germany Relocates 192 Afghan Refugees from Pakistan
Germany’s Interior Ministry has announced that 192 Afghan nationals arrived in the city of Erfurt on Tuesday, December 3, via a charter flight from Islamabad. These individuals are part of Germany’s official humanitarian admission program and mark the first group resettled under the current coalition government.
According to the ministry, after landing in Erfurt, the refugees were transferred to the Friedland temporary reception center in the state of Lower Saxony. Following initial procedures, they will be relocated across various German states.
The group includes former employees of German institutions and projects in Afghanistan, along with their family members. Prior to the Taliban’s return to power, they worked directly or indirectly with German development projects, diplomatic missions, or media outlets.
Dozens of other eligible Afghan nationals remain in Islamabad awaiting relocation. In recent months, some have traveled to Germany on commercial flights. However, growing concerns about forced deportations have emerged following Pakistan’s ultimatum to end residence permits for Afghan migrants by the end of the year.
The German Interior Ministry also confirmed that 62 individuals eligible under the program have opted out of relocation in exchange for financial compensation. Discussions are ongoing with additional participants who may choose the same route.
Germany’s official humanitarian admission program for Afghan citizens was suspended in May by the current coalition government, comprising the Social Democratic, Christian Democratic, and Christian Social Union parties. Under the previous coalition, which included the Green Party and Free Democrats, evacuations via special flights occurred regularly.
The program’s suspension comes amid continued uncertainty for hundreds of Afghan nationals still at risk under Taliban rule due to their previous cooperation with Western institutions. The international community’s silence and inaction on their situation has raised serious human rights concerns.
