Afghan Refugees Stranded in Pakistan as Germany Halts Entry Program

Key Takeaways

• Germany paused its Afghan refugee resettlement program on July 3, 2025, leaving 2,400-2,600 refugees stuck in Pakistan.
• The suspension follows political changes, public backlash, security concerns, and Pakistan’s crackdown on undocumented Afghan refugees.
• About 17,000 Afghans await early application processing; priority includes 350 former German agency local employees.

As of July 3, 2025, Germany 🇩🇪 has put its Afghan refugee resettlement program on hold, leaving thousands of Afghan refugees stranded in Pakistan 🇵🇰. This sudden pause comes at a time of political change in Germany and growing pressure on the country’s migration system. The decision has sparked concern among refugees, human rights groups, and migration experts, who warn that the most vulnerable are now at even greater risk.

Germany Suspends Afghan Refugee Resettlement: Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How

Who is affected?
About 2,400 to 2,600 Afghan refugees who have already been approved for relocation to Germany are now stuck in Pakistan, waiting for their visas and flights. Among them are 350 former local employees of German agencies, who were given priority because of their work with German organizations in Afghanistan. In addition, 17,000 more Afghans are in the early stages of the application process, hoping to find safety in Germany.

What happened?
Germany has temporarily suspended its Afghan refugee resettlement program. This means that charter flights, which were supposed to bring approved refugees from Pakistan to Germany, have been stopped. The program, which started in October 2022, aimed to bring up to 1,000 Afghans each month who were at risk because of their jobs, beliefs, or identities.

When did this happen?
The freeze on flights began in late April 2025, with the official suspension announced on July 3, 2025. The German Foreign Ministry said the pause would last at least two weeks, but there is no clear date for when the program will start again.

Where are the refugees now?
Most of the affected Afghan refugees are in Pakistan, where they face uncertain and often dangerous conditions. Many have been living in Pakistan since fleeing Afghanistan after the Taliban took over in 2021.

Why did Germany suspend the program?
The main reason is a change in government. Germany’s new coalition, made up of conservatives and the Social Democratic Party (SPD), wants to review and possibly tighten the country’s migration policies. There has also been public backlash in Germany over migration, especially after some violent incidents involving migrants and growing pressure on housing and services.

How does the process work?
Afghan refugees who want to resettle in Germany must go through a strict security screening. This involves checks by Germany’s domestic intelligence agency, federal police, and criminal investigation authorities. Only after passing these checks can they get a visa and travel to Germany.

The Numbers: How Many Are Waiting and Why?

• 2,400 to 2,600 Afghan refugees have already been approved for relocation to Germany but are stuck in Pakistan.
• 350 former local employees of German agencies are among those waiting. These people are seen as especially at risk because of their work with Germany in Afghanistan.
• 17,000 Afghans are in the early stages of the application process, but their cases are now on hold.
• The program was supposed to bring up to 1,000 Afghans per month to Germany, but in more than two years, fewer than 1,600 Afghans have actually arrived. This is due to flight cancellations and slow processing.
• Since 2021, Germany has admitted about 36,000 Afghans under different resettlement programs, including over 20,000 former local staff and their families.

Why Did Germany Pause the Program?

The German Foreign Ministry said the pause was needed to review the country’s refugee resettlement policies. This review comes at a time of political tension in Germany, with migration being a hot topic in public debate. Some of the main reasons for the suspension include:

• Political Change: A new government coalition is taking power in Germany and wants to look at all migration policies.
• Public Backlash: There has been growing concern in Germany about migration, especially after some violent incidents involving migrants.
• Pressure on Services: Housing and public services in Germany are under strain, making it harder to welcome new arrivals.
• Security Concerns: The government wants to make sure that all refugees coming to Germany have passed strict security checks.
• Pakistan’s Crackdown: At the same time, Pakistan has started to crack down on Afghan nationals, especially those without legal documents. This makes life even harder for refugees waiting to leave.

Approval rates for Afghan asylum seekers in Germany have also dropped sharply—from 74% in 2024 to 52% in early 2025. This shows a tougher approach to migration by the new government.

What Does This Mean for Afghan Refugees in Pakistan?

For Afghan refugees stuck in Pakistan, the suspension of the German program is a major blow. Many are living in difficult conditions, with little money and few rights. Pakistan has stepped up efforts to find and deport undocumented Afghans, making life even more dangerous for those waiting to leave.

Key challenges faced by Afghan refugees in Pakistan:

• Risk of Deportation: Pakistan has increased its efforts to deport Afghan refugees who do not have legal status. This puts many at risk of being sent back to Afghanistan, where they could face abuse or even death under Taliban rule.
• Poor Living Conditions: Many refugees live in overcrowded, unsafe housing with limited access to healthcare, education, or work.
• Uncertainty and Fear: With no clear timeline for when the German program will restart, refugees are left in limbo, unsure if they will ever reach safety.

Human rights groups warn that the suspension could leave vulnerable Afghans exposed to serious harm. Many of those waiting to leave are at risk because of their work in human rights, justice, politics, education, or because of their gender, religion, or sexual orientation.

How Does the German Resettlement Program Work?

Germany’s Afghan resettlement program was set up in response to the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan in 2021. The main goal was to help people who were most at risk, especially those who had worked with German agencies or who faced danger because of their beliefs or identity.

Steps in the resettlement process:

1. Application and Selection: Afghans who believe they are at risk can apply for the program. Priority is given to former local employees of German agencies and other vulnerable groups.
2. Security Screening: Applicants must pass a strict security check, which involves several German government agencies.
3. Visa Issuance: Once approved, refugees are given a visa to travel to Germany.
4. Travel Arrangements: The German government arranges charter flights to bring approved refugees from Pakistan to Germany.
5. Arrival and Support: Once in Germany, refugees are given housing and support to help them settle.

However, the process has been slow and complicated. Many refugees have faced long waits for interviews, security checks, and flights. The recent suspension has made things even harder.

The Human Impact: Stories of Waiting and Worry

For the Afghan refugees stuck in Pakistan, the suspension of the German program is not just a policy change—it is a matter of life and death. Many have already fled violence and persecution in Afghanistan, only to find themselves trapped in a new kind of danger.

Common experiences among Afghan refugees:

• Fear of Being Sent Back: Many refugees worry that if they are forced to return to Afghanistan, they will face punishment or even death because of their past work or beliefs.
• Separation from Family: Some refugees have family members who are already in Germany, while others are separated from loved ones who are still in Afghanistan or other countries.
• Uncertainty About the Future: With no clear information from German authorities, refugees do not know if or when they will be able to leave Pakistan.

One refugee, a former employee of a German development agency, said, “We risked our lives to help Germany. Now we are left waiting, not knowing if we will ever be safe.”

Criticism and Calls for Action

Human rights organizations have strongly criticized Germany’s decision to pause the resettlement program. They argue that the suspension is short-sighted and puts lives at risk. Groups like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have called on Germany to restart evacuations as soon as possible.

Key points raised by critics:

• Vulnerable Groups Left Behind: Many of those waiting to leave are women, religious minorities, or people who worked in human rights. They face serious danger if forced to return to Afghanistan.
• Unfair Assumptions: Some NGOs and migration lawyers say that Sunni men are often assumed not to be at risk under Taliban rule, but this is not always true. Many have faced threats or violence because of their work or beliefs.
• Moral Responsibility: Critics argue that Germany has a moral duty to protect those who helped its agencies in Afghanistan.

German officials, on the other hand, say that the country must balance its humanitarian commitments with domestic concerns about security and the ability to support new arrivals.

What Happens Next? The Future of Afghan Resettlement in Germany

The German government’s review of its refugee policies is still ongoing. There is no clear date for when the Afghan resettlement program will start again. Political developments in Germany, as well as changes in European Union migration policies, could affect the future of the program.

Possible outcomes:

• Resumption of Flights: If the review is completed and the government decides to continue the program, flights could resume, allowing approved refugees to travel to Germany.
• Tighter Controls: The government may introduce stricter rules for who can apply and how many people are accepted.
• Continued Delays: If political or public pressure remains high, the program could remain suspended for a longer period.

Advocacy groups are urging Germany to act quickly, warning that every day of delay puts lives at risk.

Practical Guidance for Affected Refugees

For Afghan refugees in Pakistan who are affected by the suspension, it is important to stay informed and seek support where possible.

Steps refugees can take:

• Check Official Updates: The German Foreign Ministry provides the latest information on refugee resettlement policies and any changes to the program.
• Contact NGOs: Organizations like Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and local refugee support groups in Pakistan and Germany can offer advice and assistance.
• Keep Documents Ready: Refugees should keep all important documents, such as application papers and identification, safe and ready in case the program resumes.
• Stay in Touch with Support Networks: Connecting with other refugees and support organizations can provide emotional support and practical help.

Broader Implications: What This Means for Germany, Pakistan, and the International Community

The suspension of Germany’s Afghan resettlement program has wider effects beyond the immediate impact on refugees.

For Germany 🇩🇪:

• The decision reflects growing political pressure to limit migration and address public concerns about security and resources.
• It also raises questions about Germany’s role as a leader in humanitarian response and refugee protection.

For Pakistan 🇵🇰:

• The country continues to host large numbers of Afghan refugees, many of whom have no legal status and face the threat of deportation.
• Pakistan’s crackdown on undocumented Afghans has made life even harder for those waiting to leave.

For the International Community:

• The situation highlights the need for coordinated action to protect vulnerable refugees and share responsibility for resettlement.
• Other countries may look to Germany’s example when deciding how to handle their own refugee programs.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, the fate of thousands of Afghan refugees now depends on political decisions in Germany and the willingness of the international community to step up and provide safe pathways for those at risk.

Conclusion: What Can Be Done Now?

The suspension of Germany’s Afghan refugee resettlement program has left thousands of people in a dangerous and uncertain situation. While the German government reviews its policies, refugees in Pakistan face daily risks and growing fear. Human rights groups, migration experts, and many in the public are calling for a quick restart of the program to protect those most in need.

For now, affected refugees should stay informed through official channels, seek support from NGOs, and keep their documents ready. The international community, including Germany and Pakistan, must work together to find solutions that protect the most vulnerable and uphold the principles of safety and human rights.

For more information and updates, visit the German Foreign Ministry’s official website.

Learn Today

Resettlement Program → A government initiative to relocate refugees from one country to a safer one, often involving visa and security checks.
Charter Flights → Special flights arranged by governments to transport approved refugees directly between countries.
Security Screening → A process where refugees undergo extensive background checks by intelligence, police, and criminal authorities.
Local Employees → Afghans who worked for German agencies and are given priority in resettlement due to exposure risks.
Deportation → The forced removal of a foreign national from a country, often due to lack of legal status.

This Article in a Nutshell

Germany halted its Afghan refugee resettlement in July 2025 amid political change and migration pressures. Thousands in Pakistan now wait uncertainly, facing deportation risks and poor conditions. The pause raises human rights concerns, highlighting the precarious situation of vulnerable Afghans dependent on slow, strict German visa processing and flights.
— By VisaVerge.com