Importance Score: 75 / 100 🔴
A flight, commissioned by the German government and carrying 138 Afghan nationals with approved entry to Germany, arrived in Leipzig, eastern Germany, on Wednesday evening. This repatriation flight represents a continuing effort to provide refuge for vulnerable Afghans seeking relocation to Germany.
According to a representative from the German Foreign Office, all passengers had received a formal guarantee of entry into Germany.
The aircraft departed from Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan.
Demographics of Arriving Afghan Nationals
The Interior Ministry reported the demographic breakdown of the passengers as follows: 45 children and young adults, 76 women, and 62 men.
The group is scheduled for transfer to a reception center in central Germany prior to being allocated to various federal states within two weeks.
Clarifications on Afghan Admissions to Germany
A representative for the Interior Ministry clarified that these individuals had previously received approved entry to Germany under existing programs, and no new admissions would be granted under current initiatives. They also emphasized that each person will undergo rigorous screening before being permitted entry into the country.
Previous German Repatriation Efforts
Earlier this year, three prior flights successfully transported a total of 461 individuals from Afghanistan to Germany, landing in Berlin and Hanover.
Current Situation for Afghans in Pakistan
Foreign Office data indicates that approximately 2,600 at-risk individuals from Afghanistan are currently awaiting entry into Germany from Pakistan.
Categories of Individuals Awaiting Relocation
These at-risk Afghans include former employees of German organizations in Afghanistan and their families, alongside individuals facing Taliban persecution. This latter group includes, for example, human rights advocates such as lawyers and journalists.
Future of German Admission Programs for Afghans
Germany’s incoming government intends to conclude the current admission programs for Afghan nationals. Their recently published governing agreement states: “We will end voluntary federal intake programs as far as possible (including programs for Afghanistan) and will not initiate any new programs.”
Concerns over Deportation of Afghan Refugees from Pakistan
Afghans still in Islamabad awaiting departure may soon face significant risk, as Pakistan commenced a new wave of deportations targeting Afghan refugees at the beginning of April, with long-term plans to deport up to 3 million Afghans.
Talal Chaudry, Pakistan’s Minister of State for Interior Affairs, recently announced that these deportations will extend, from May onwards, to include Afghans awaiting departure to Western nations.
Deteriorating Conditions for Afghans Awaiting Relocation
Afghans in Islamabad report worsening circumstances while awaiting relocation. Families are often forced to reside in guest houses for extended periods, sometimes exceeding a year, while undergoing monthly visa renewals.
To cover the substantial visa costs, many have borrowed money from relatives or sold property in Afghanistan, actions that would leave them destitute should their applications for refuge be rejected.
German Government Assurances
Responding to inquiries regarding the risk of deportation from Pakistan for Afghans with approved entry to Germany, the Foreign Office representative stated: “We are in close coordination and communication with Pakistani authorities and remain committed to assisting individuals who have a guaranteed entry to Germany.”