Afghans Take to the Skies for Germany: 188 Refugees Depart From Pakistan
In a significant move, 188 Afghans have boarded a charter flight bound for Germany, according to sources at the German embassy in Islamabad. This marks the first such journey since a ten-month hiatus, offering these individuals a glimmer of hope amidst the uncertainty surrounding Afghan refugees in Pakistan.
The German government, aiming to safeguard refugees from mass deportations currently underway in Pakistan, has pledged to accept these individuals into the country. This decision follows the Pakistan government's announcement in early October, stating its intention to deport refugees without valid papers, with an estimated 4.4 million Afghan refugees living in the country, 1.7 million of whom are unauthorized.
As the plane rises into the sky, the 188 passengers are part of a particularly vulnerable group approved for admission through either the federal admission program or the local forces procedure. This group includes individuals who have undergone specific admission procedures relevant to their situations, such as the federal admission plan or the local forces procedure.
With an estimated 11,500 Afghans awaiting entry to Germany, this charter flight is yet another step toward reuniting families and communities torn apart by conflict and displacement. Of these, around 3,000 reside in Pakistan, yearning for the opportunity to start anew in Germany. Since the end of June, just 573 Afghans have managed to secure entry, 572 of whom were granted admission through the federal admission program.
Predominantly targeting individuals particularly vulnerable due to their commitment to women's rights, human rights advocacy or work in various fields such as justice, politics, media, education, culture, sport, and science, the federal admission program is a beacon of hope for some Afghans. The program aims to admit 1,000 individuals each month, offering these vulnerable individuals the chance to rebuild their lives in a safe and supportive environment.
As they join the thousands of Afghans who have already established new lives in Germany, these 188 refugees will contribute to the country's rich cultural and societal diversity. Their experiences and perspectives, shaped by the tumultuous events of the past few years, will undoubtedly enrich German society and provide a testament to humanity's resilience in the face of adversity.
Relevant Insights:
- According to official figures, only 573 Afghans have entered Germany through the federal admission program since June 2024, despite the program's intention to admit 1,000 individuals per month.
- The suspension of the U.S. program to resettle Afghans who collaborated with the U.S. military has left 1,660 approved refugees in limbo.
- Pakistan, Iran, and other countries are currently home to millions of Afghan refugees facing uncertainties and risks.
[1] "Rejected asylum seekers from Germany continue to be deported to Afghanistan." DW, 17 June 2024, .
[2] "Afghan refugees in limbo after US suspends resettlement program." BBC News, 22 June 2024, .
[3] "Afghan refugees in Pakistan face challenges and uncertainties." Amnesty International, 1 December 2024, .
