Authorities Facilitate Exodus of 211 Afghans from Admission Programme, Revealing Number of Departures
Pakistan's recent move to deport over 200 Afghans from the German resettlement program for particularly endangered individuals has sparked concern and criticism. These individuals, who have been legally residing in Pakistan, have been targeted due to Pakistan's decision to stop renewing their visas[1].
Among those affected are former employees of Germany's development agency, GIZ, women's rights activists, and members of the LGBTQ+ community. All of these groups are considered at risk under Taliban control and were awaiting resettlement to Germany[1][2].
The current situation paints a grim picture. Over 200 Afghans have already been deported back to Afghanistan as of mid-August 2025, with numbers fluctuating as arrests and deportations continue[1][2][3]. The German government's resettlement program, which once pledged passage for over 2,400 Afghans stranded in Pakistan, has effectively been suspended[1][2][3].
Germany's new government is currently engaged in high-level talks with Pakistani authorities to ensure protection for those still in Pakistan and to provide support for those already returned[1][2][3][5]. However, human rights organizations are urging Germany to speed up visa processing and take immediate action to protect these vulnerable Afghans[1][3][5].
The deported Afghans now live in fear due to the risk of Taliban repression, including detention and torture[1]. Since the German Embassy in Kabul was closed following the takeover by the Islamic Taliban in August 2021, they are undergoing a screening process in Pakistan.
Additionally, over 450 people from the same program had previously been detained by Pakistani authorities with the intent of deportation[1]. In each individual case, a legally binding commitment to take them in will be checked[4].
The future remains uncertain for these individuals, who are caught in the crossfire of geopolitical tensions and the Taliban's repressive regime. The international community continues to watch and wait, hoping for a resolution that ensures their safety and protection.
References: 1. Deutsche Welle 2. The Guardian 3. BBC News 4. The Local 5. Amnesty International
- The urgency to secure the safety of over 200 deported Afghans, including former GIZ employees, women's rights activists, and members of the LGBTQ+ community, has escalated amidst the current war-and-conflicts and political tensions in Afghanistan.
- As the general-news media continues to document the ongoing crisis, human rights organizations are appealing to the international community to expedite visa processes, heighten protection efforts, and bring immediate relief to these particularly vulnerable individuals.
