KABUL, AFGHANISTAN – Germany will issue visas to Afghan refugees who were previously promised resettlement under its humanitarian admission program, despite the government’s suspension of new admissions, the country’s Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul confirmed on Saturday.
Speaking to Deutsche Welle, Wadephul stated that while the coalition government has halted the intake of new Afghan refugees, it remains committed to honoring past promises. “We will uphold the commitments made in the past,” the minister said.
His remarks came after a landmark ruling by the Berlin Administrative Court earlier this week in favor of an Afghan family that had filed a complaint after experiencing prolonged delays despite receiving official approval for resettlement. The court ruled that the German government is legally obligated to provide travel documents to individuals who had already received formal acceptance.
According to Reuters, approximately 2,400 Afghans remain stranded in Pakistan after Germany’s current coalition government paused its resettlement scheme in late 2023. Most of these individuals had been promised visas but were left in limbo without clear timelines or documentation.
The Berlin court emphasized that while the government has the authority to suspend future admissions, it must still fulfill binding commitments already made. The ruling requires German authorities to issue visas and arrange travel for those previously accepted into the program.
In response, Foreign Minister Wadephul said the court’s decision is legally binding and will be implemented. “The contents of the ruling will be reviewed and enforced,” he added, noting that the government is now working to expedite the visa process for those affected.
Germany’s humanitarian admission program was launched following the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan in August 2021 to assist vulnerable groups including former government employees, activists, journalists, and women at risk. However, its suspension by the new administration left thousands, many of whom had already fled to Pakistan, facing uncertainty and deteriorating conditions.
Human rights organizations have repeatedly urged Germany to fulfill its obligations to Afghan refugees, warning that delays and inaction put lives at risk.
Officials have not announced a timeline for when visas will be issued or travel arrangements completed, but the Foreign Ministry has pledged to follow through in accordance with the court’s judgment.
