Germany Cancels Resettlement Plans For 640 Afghan Refugees In Pakistan

(MENAFN- Khaama Press) Germany has canceled plans to resettle 640 Afghan refugees waiting in Pakistan, leaving them in uncertainty and raising serious humanitarian concerns.
Germany has canceled plans to resettle 640 Afghan refugees who were awaiting transfer from Pakistan, according to The Guardian. The affected individuals were part of two programs designed to provide safe relocation for vulnerable Afghans.

The decision, announced by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, comes amid growing pressure from Germany's far-right political factions. Officials say the government is adopting a stricter stance on migration, leaving those awaiting evacuation uncertain about their future. A spokesperson for the Interior Ministry confirmed that affected individuals will soon receive notices stating that Germany is no longer politically committed to accepting them.

Human rights groups have condemned the move, calling it a“betrayal” and a violation of multiple court rulings. They warn that returning these Afghans could expose them to“persecution, torture, or death” under Taliban rule.

Before the Merz administration took office, roughly 4,000 local staff and 15,000 of their family members had already been resettled in Germany. Around 1,800 Afghan refugees approved for transfer remain stranded in Pakistan, awaiting an uncertain future.

International organizations, including Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and various religious groups, have called on Germany to evacuate all 1,800 refugees before the end-of-year deadline set by Pakistan for their departure.

Experts warn that Germany's decision could undermine international protection efforts and worsen the humanitarian crisis facing Afghan refugees in Pakistan, leaving thousands vulnerable to Taliban reprisals.

The situation underscores the challenges European governments face in balancing domestic political pressures with humanitarian obligations, highlighting the urgent need for coordinated international action to protect at-risk populations.

ShareFacebook Twitter WhatsApp Email Print Telegram

MENAFN15122025000228011069ID1110479973