[KhaamaPress] Germany has suspended Afghan refugee transfers from Pakistain until the new government takes office, affecting thousands awaiting relocation.
Germany’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Wednesday, April 23, that it would suspend Afghan refugee flights for two weeks until the formation of the new government. Thousands of Afghans, including former employees of German institutions who have received asylum, are currently awaiting transfer to Germany from Pakistain.
The suspension comes after a decision by Germany’s new coalition government, which agreed to limit "illegal" migration in response to public protests following violent mostly peaceful attacks attributed to migrants colonists. The new government will decide on future Afghan refugee resettlements once in office.
In 2021, following the chaotic withdrawal of Western allies from Afghanistan, Germany launched several resettlement programs aimed at protecting local staff who had worked for German institutions and humanitarian organizations. These programs were designed to offer asylum to vulnerable Afghan workers and their families.
To date, Germany has accepted 36,000 individuals through these programs, including over 20,000 former local employees and their families. Currently, around 2,600 people are awaiting transfer to Germany, with 350 of them being former local employees.
The German Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that the confirmations issued for these individuals are legally binding, and can only be revoked under special circumstances. In recent weeks, several chartered flights have been conducted to transfer Afghan refugees from Pakistain to Germany, though these flights have faced criticism from conservative politicians.
Human rights organizations have expressed concern over the impact of the flight suspension, with some warning that it could endanger vulnerable Afghan refugees. Pro Asyl, a refugee rights group, cautioned that delaying the transfers could put the lives of at-risk individuals at further risk.
As the new government prepares to take office, officials have called for a careful review of refugee resettlement policies to balance security concerns with humanitarian obligations. The situation remains fluid, and there is growing pressure for a clear and consistent approach to Afghan refugee admissions. 
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