Dobrindt Addresses Controversy Over Afghan Resettlement Program

The German Minister of the Interior, Alexander Dobrindt, has responded to criticism regarding the Afghan resettlement program, asserting that he is not prepared to rush the process or compromise on safety measures. During an open house event hosted by the federal government, Dobrindt emphasized the complexity of the situation, stating that it is unrealistic to expect quick resolutions for issues that have persisted for years.

Referring to the previous administration's handling of the program, he noted that it has been neglected for an extended period. Dobrindt expressed his commitment to addressing the challenges associated with the Afghan resettlement but insisted on the necessity of thorough security checks and regular admission procedures. He clarified that any individuals deemed ineligible based on these evaluations would not be permitted to enter Germany.

Dobrindt mentioned that he has instructed his team to resume operations on-site to facilitate the admission processes, including the essential security screenings. He made it clear that he is focused on conducting these assessments properly and that this approach would inherently require more time. He cautioned that the completion of these procedures would not be achievable in just a matter of weeks, but rather could take several months.

The urgency of the matter was highlighted by the German government's human rights commissioner, Lars Castellucci, who urged both the Interior Ministry and the Foreign Office to expedite the resettlement of vulnerable Afghan individuals currently in Pakistan. Castellucci pointed out that the coalition government had previously agreed on a structured and humanitarian migration policy, and he criticized the prolonged duration of the assessments related to the Afghan program for failing to meet these standards.

Approximately 2,000 Afghans, who are considered at risk due to their advocacy for democratic rights or their roles as local staff for the German military or organizations, are awaiting resettlement. Many of these individuals, along with their families, have received assurances for relocation from the former government. However, with the closure of the German embassy in Kabul following the Taliban takeover in 2021, the processing of their applications is now occurring in Pakistan.

This week, the German authorities reported that about 210 of the 2,000 individuals have been deported back to Afghanistan from Pakistan, underscoring the urgent need for a resolution to their status.