Germany to Resettle 535 Afghan Refugees from Pakistan by Year's End

The German government plans to resettle 535 Afghan refugees currently in Pakistan by the end of 2025, as part of an effort to complete commitments made following the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan four years ago. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt announced that this group includes 460 individuals from the federal resettlement program (Bundesaufnahmeprogramm) and 75 from a local staff program (Ortskräfteprogramm). Since September, more than 600 Afghans with resettlement promises have already arrived in Germany, including a recent charter flight that brought 160 people to Berlin.

The government is working closely with Pakistani authorities to expedite the processing of these cases, with a target to finalize the resettlement by December, though some cases may extend into early 2026. All individuals entering through these programs are subject to security checks. Importantly, Pakistan has given Germany a deadline to complete the resettlement programs by the end of the year to avoid potential deportations of Afghans back to Afghanistan, where over 200 deportations have reportedly already occurred.

However, the German government has also withdrawn resettlement promises for approximately 640 Afghans who were on a so-called "Menschenrechtsliste" (human rights list) due to what officials described as a lack of political interest under Chancellor Friedrich Merz's administration. This contrast highlights a selective continuation of refugee intake, prioritizing those deemed most vulnerable or closely linked to German efforts in Afghanistan, such as human rights activists, judges, and journalists.

Minister Dobrindt emphasized the urgency to conclude the program swiftly, noting that most recent arrivals were part of the federal resettlement program, with others coming through the local staff initiative. The process reflects Germany's ongoing commitment to support vulnerable Afghan populations despite political and logistical challenges.

In sum, Germany is committed to fulfilling its obligations by the end of 2025, resettling hundreds of Afghan refugees from Pakistan while navigating diplomatic deadlines set by Pakistani authorities and internal political considerations.