The German government announced on Thursday that it will admit 535 Afghan nationals who were promised refuge but have remained stranded in Pakistan for months. The move follows growing domestic and international pressure to resolve the fate of Afghans caught in limbo after Germany suspended parts of its refugee admission programme earlier this year.
Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt told the RND media network that Berlin aims to complete the processing of the remaining cases “in December, as far as possible,” allowing the affected individuals to enter Germany before the end of the year.
Programme Frozen After Change in Government
The Afghans were accepted under a refugee scheme introduced by Germany’s previous government to protect people at risk following the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan in 2021. However, the programme stalled after conservative Chancellor Friedrich Merz took office in May and ordered a freeze on new admissions while his government reviewed migration policies.
As a result, hundreds of Afghans who had already received assurances from German authorities remained stuck in Pakistan, where they had travelled to complete visa and security procedures.
Who the Scheme Was Designed to Protect
The admission programme prioritised Afghans who had worked closely with German armed forces during the NATO-led mission in Afghanistan, as well as individuals deemed particularly vulnerable under Taliban rule. These included human rights activists, journalists, women’s rights defenders, and their immediate family members.
Human rights groups have repeatedly warned that many of those waiting in Pakistan face serious risks if forced to return to Afghanistan.
Pakistan Deadline Adds Pressure
Pakistan has set a deadline for the end of the year for outstanding Afghan cases to be resolved. After that, authorities have warned they may deport those still waiting back to Afghanistan.
Dobrindt said Germany remains in contact with Pakistani authorities to manage the situation. He acknowledged that some cases may spill into the new year, adding that officials would continue working on unresolved applications beyond December if necessary.
Rejections and Cash Offers Draw Criticism
Last week, Germany’s interior ministry informed 650 people enrolled in the programme that they would not be admitted, citing the new government’s assessment that their entry no longer served Germany’s “interest.”
The government has also offered financial compensation to Afghans in Pakistan willing to withdraw their applications. By mid-November, only 62 people had accepted the offer.
Earlier this month, more than 250 German and international organisations, including Amnesty International, Save the Children, and Human Rights Watch, said around 1,800 Afghans linked to the programme remained in limbo. They urged Berlin to honour its commitments and allow them to enter Germany without further delay.
