Approximately fifty Afghans are anticipated to arrive in Germany

The German resettlement program, designed to aid endangered Afghans such as former human rights workers and local forces of German institutions, has hit a snag. According to the Federal Ministry of the Interior, over 90% of people in the program have not yet completed all the steps in the resettlement procedure.

Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul revealed that the coalition has agreed to end voluntary resettlement programs as much as possible, but legally binding asylum promises will be honored. He expressed gratitude to the Pakistani side for allowing an extension of the period for review measures until the end of the year, as many Afghan families have been waiting months or years in Islamabad for their exit.

However, the German government halted the resettlement program for endangered Afghan women and men in May, a decision that was met with criticism. Several media outlets had previously reported on the planned entry of these individuals, and now, it appears that the Pakistani authorities have begun deporting Afghans from the German resettlement program to Afghanistan as part of a deportation wave.

In mid-August, the federal government announced that approximately 210 people from the program who were last in Pakistan had been deported to Afghanistan. Today, around 50 Afghan women and men are expected to arrive in Germany, having been granted asylum.

SPD Bundestag member Hakan Demir urged the federal government to implement the resettlement of all people with asylum approval as quickly as possible. He added that the government must not keep its promises only when courts force them to.

There are currently around 85 urgent court proceedings pending for individuals seeking entry to Germany. Approximately 2,100 people from the resettlement program are currently in Pakistan, and 200 are in Afghanistan. One woman, who had waited 14 months for her exit, stated that she spent the time in Islamabad full of worry but now looks forward to a life in freedom and security.

The German security authorities are expected to use this time effectively to expedite the resettlement process and ensure the safety of those who are granted asylum. The arrival of these individuals marks a significant step in the resettlement program, and it is hoped that the process will continue to move forward smoothly.