The German government has announced it will no longer accept certain Afghan nationals currently residing in Pakistan onto its Human Rights List for admission to Germany. This decision affects individuals who had previously hoped to be included in Germany's humanitarian admission programmes, specifically those awaiting transfer under bridging schemes.

According to an official statement from the Interior Ministry, affected individuals will soon receive formal notification that there is no longer a political basis for their admission to Germany. This move is based on existing immigration law, which stipulates that a residence permit may be granted to foreign nationals from abroad if the Federal Ministry of the Interior, or an authorized body, deems such admission necessary to uphold Germany's political interests or for urgent humanitarian reasons. In these cases, however, the government concluded that these criteria are not being met for the remaining applicants on the Human Rights List.

Despite the new restrictions, certain groups retain eligibility for admission. Approximately 90 former local employees of German institutions in Afghanistan and their immediate families continue to hold prospects of relocation. Additionally, around 580 individuals who have previously received approval through the Federal Admission Programme--targeted at people at particular risk under the current Afghan administration--remain eligible. Nonetheless, the Interior Ministry emphasized that all candidates, including those in these categories, must pass stringent security checks before entry is permitted. If safety concerns arise during the vetting process, entry to Germany will not be granted.

Continued Evacuations from Pakistan

Efforts to relocate Afghan nationals to Germany have continued in recent months. The government is reportedly planning another charter flight from Islamabad to Germany in the near future, following successful transfers in previous weeks. Last week, 192 individuals who qualified under the Federal Admission Programme arrived in Erfurt, Germany, after departing Islamabad by charter flight. Routine scheduled flights have also been used in recent months to bring eligible Afghan nationals from Pakistan to Germany.

The Interior Ministry has been in contact with some individuals who had initially received approval but are now considering withdrawing their applications. Reports suggest that these applicants may be offered financial compensation should they choose to renounce their claims for admission to Germany.

Pakistan Sets Deadline for Departure

The Pakistani authorities have stipulated that Germany must complete all admission procedures by the end of the year. After this deadline, Pakistan intends to deport remaining Afghan nationals back to Afghanistan. This policy has added urgency to efforts by German authorities to process outstanding cases, particularly given the precarious security situation in Afghanistan since the Taliban regained control of Kabul in August 2021.

Judicial Rulings Prompt Faster Visa Processing

In a recent decision, Germany's Federal Constitutional Court mandated expedited processing of visa applications for an Afghan former Supreme Court judge and his family. This ruling highlighted the exceptional urgency and particular circumstances of the case. The family, which had been placed on a bridging list by the Interior Ministry in 2022, now awaits a final decision on their application for admission to Germany.

The current situation underscores the challenges the German government faces in balancing humanitarian commitments with legal, security, and political considerations. As deadlines approach and security risks persist, authorities must navigate complex legal frameworks to determine who qualifies for protection and safe passage to Germany.