Germany’s government has relented, agreeing to accept Afghan refugees who were previously promised visas despite months of delays.
Court Rulings Force German Government to Relent
Some of the approximately 2,000 Afghan citizens stranded in Pakistan awaiting promised German visas will now be able to travel to Germany, according to reports from German newspaper “Die Welt” and other media. The Berlin government, which had blocked their acceptance for months, has backed down under pressure from court rulings.
Families to Arrive via Dubai and Istanbul
Public broadcaster ARD in New Delhi reported that several Afghan families are expected to arrive in Germany via commercial flights through Dubai and Istanbul in the coming days. All of them have received approval for acceptance and have filed lawsuits against German authorities for failing to issue their visas.
Legal Risk for German Foreign Ministry
According to nearly 20 court rulings, the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs faces a potential fine of 2,500 euros if it fails to grant visas to those approved for entry. One lawsuit was filed by a law professor and her 13 family members awaiting a German visa in Pakistan, though it is unclear if she is among those arriving soon. The number of families using this option remains unknown at this stage.
Germany’s Red Lines on Security Checks
The German Ministry of Foreign Affairs attempted to appeal some rulings to the Higher Administrative Court in Berlin and Brandenburg but withdrew part of its applications. On Sunday (August 24, 2025), German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul emphasized that individuals promised entry have the right to come to Germany. “These people do not need to file lawsuits. We are bound by legal frameworks—which, in my view, we must fulfill swiftly,” he stated during an open house event at the ministry. However, he stressed that individual security checks are necessary before any approvals.
Germany’s Commitment to At-Risk Afghans
Four years ago, after the Taliban took control of Afghanistan, Germany pledged to assist at-risk groups, including local collaborators of the Bundeswehr, human rights defenders, and journalists. However, following a government change in May, Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt demanded individual security screenings for all cases. Meanwhile, Pakistan has deported many asylum seekers to Afghanistan.
International Organizations Urge Immediate Action
On Monday, organizations such as Amnesty International, Caritas, Reporters Without Borders, Medico International, and the German Association of Lawyers called on the government to take immediate steps to protect Afghans currently stuck in Pakistan.
Source: Gazeta, https://www.dw.com/pl/media-berlin-jednak-przyjmie-afga%C5%84czyk%C3%B3w-kt%C3%B3rzy-utkn%C4%99li-w-pakistanie/a-73772415]
