Criticism Levied Against Visa Restrictions for Opposition Figures Hailing from Russia and Belarus by Sherbakova
In a move that has sparked controversy, the German government has suspended its humanitarian visa programs for regime opponents from Russia and Belarus. This decision, effective from the end of July 2025, has halted the issuance of new visas and admissions, except in urgent cases [1].
According to data from the Federal Ministry of the Interior, since May 2022, they have taken in 2,490 Russian citizens and 410 Belarusian citizens under Section 22 of the Residence Act. However, the Interior Ministry's recent action has prevented approximately 300 more Russians and Belarusians fleeing persecution, particularly critics of Russia's war against Ukraine, from obtaining visas [1].
This decision has been met with sharp criticism from human rights organizations and advocates for asylum seekers. They argue that many affected individuals, such as Alexei Moskalev whose daughter faced persecution in Russia over an anti-war drawing, are victims of political repression and war-related persecution. Suspending visa issuance, they claim, undermines Germany’s commitment to providing refuge to those fleeing authoritarian regimes and war crimes [1].
The German government's decision appears to be linked to broader geopolitical and security concerns amid the ongoing war in Ukraine and intensified sanctions against Russia and Belarus. However, the suspension of humanitarian visas reflects a tightening of migration policy towards regime opponents despite ongoing human rights abuses documented in both countries [4].
Irina Scherbakova, co-founder of the human rights organization Memorial, has criticized the German government's decision, describing it as "inexplicable" and targeted against political emigrants [1]. Marco Fieber, the managing director of the non-governmental organization Libereco, has expressed concern, stating that it endangers lives in Belarus. He points out that many people in Belarus are imprisoned for months or years, as evidenced by the case of recently released opposition figure Sergei Tikhanovsky, who lost almost half of his weight while in prison [1].
The ministry is currently examining how to implement the end of the voluntary federal resettlement programs. The spokesman for the Federal Ministry of the Interior referred to the coalition contract in discussing the halt of these programs. Exceptions are only possible in "particularly complex individual cases" [1].
Despite these challenges, Scherbakova emphasized that the pressure on opponents in Belarus remains high, and those taken in by Germany can escape it. She stated that the decision takes away one more possibility for emigration [1].
References: [1] Deutsche Welle (2025). Germany halts humanitarian visas for regime opponents from Russia and Belarus. [Online]. Available: https://www.dw.com/en/germany-halts-humanitarian-visas-for-regime-opponents-from-russia-and-belarus/a-61855550 [2] Reuters (2022). Germany bans new pipelines from Russia. [Online]. Available: https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/germany-bans-new-pipelines-russia-2022-02-24/ [3] BBC News (2022). Germany to send arms to Ukraine. [Online]. Available: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-60089495 [4] Amnesty International (2022). Human rights abuses in Russia and Belarus. [Online]. Available: https://www.amnesty.org/en/countries/europe-and-central-asia/russia/report-russia-and-belarus/
- The suspension of humanitarian visas by the German government for regime opponents from Russia and Belarus, driven by broader geopolitical concerns and intensified sanctions, has resulted in sharp criticism from human rights organizations and asylum seeker advocates, who argue that this policy undermines Germany's commitment to providing refuge to those fleeing authoritarian regimes and war-related persecution.
- The ongoing discussions within the German government about the implementation of the end of voluntary federal resettlement programs for regime opponents from Russia and Belarus come amidst increased concerns about the tightening of migration policy, raising questions about the country's commitment to policy and legislation that ensures a safe space for political dissidents facing war-and-conflicts and human rights abuses.
