Germany: Process of Accepting Afghan Refugees to Gradually End

German government officials state that the process of transferring Afghan citizens who have received acceptance promises to the country is gradually coming to an end.

According to recent information, around 280 Afghan citizens are currently waiting in Pakistan for travel permission to Germany. A spokesperson for the German Interior Ministry said on Wednesday that of these, 230 are included in the federal acceptance program, while 50 are former local employees of German institutions and their family members awaiting transfer.

The spokesperson added that the entry process for these individuals will be pursued quickly. However, the number of people waiting may change daily due to ongoing processes, including administrative court decisions.

In December last year, the German government informed more than 650 Afghan citizens with prior acceptance promises that they would no longer be transferred. These individuals were primarily under the "human rights list" program, not the federal acceptance program. Officials stated these promises were not legally binding and have thus been canceled.

These individuals have been offered financial assistance for return to Afghanistan or relocation to a third country. The Interior Ministry also announced that previous supports, such as accommodation in guesthouses, will end. The decision affects Afghan refugees currently in Islamabad and those deported from Pakistan to Afghanistan.

In recent months, transfers have occurred via both regular and charter flights. Last week, 47 individuals from the federal acceptance program were flown to Berlin.