The German government aims to bring the remaining 535 Afghans with admission promises from Pakistan to Germany by December. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt emphasized close exchanges with Pakistani authorities, as Pakistan issued an ultimatum until year-end. Already 609 people have arrived since September, but promises were withdrawn for around 640.
The German government under Chancellor Friedrich Merz plans to complete the admission of the remaining Afghans with promises by year-end. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU) told the RedaktionsNetzwerk Deutschland: "We want to complete this as much as possible in December." It concerns 535 people, including 460 from the federal admission program and 75 from the local staff program, currently waiting in Pakistan.
Following the Taliban takeover in Afghanistan in 2021, Germany promised admission to vulnerable groups such as local staff, human rights defenders, judges, and journalists. Many have been waiting in Pakistan since then. The Pakistani government urged Germany to finalize the programs by the end of the year, threatening further deportations otherwise. In late summer, Pakistan had already returned over 200 affected individuals to Afghanistan.
Since September, 609 Afghan citizens with promises have traveled to Germany, including 160 who arrived in Berlin on Tuesday via a chartered flight organized by the government. However, for about 640 Afghans who received promises before the current administration took office, admission was recently and finally rejected. The reason: "no political interest in admission remains." Merz stated in the Bundestag that Germany adheres to legal obligations but scrutinizes cases closely.
Some cases might extend into January, but Dobrindt stressed the intent to largely fulfill the promises. This highlights the balance between humanitarian commitments and the new government's political priorities.
