Controversial deal: Berlin offers money instead of asylum for stranded Afghans!
The German government has proposed a controversial plan to offer Afghans awaiting resettlement financial amounts in exchange for voluntarily waiving their right to enter Germany. This decision comes after the Interior Ministry acknowledged its inability to conclude resettlement programs from Afghanistan before the end of the year.
According to a message received by FOCUS Online from the GIZ (German Society for International Cooperation), which manages the program on behalf of the Ministry of the Interior, the offer is directed to Afghans included in two programs: the "Human Rights List," which includes about 60 people, and the "Bridge Program," which includes about 600 people. If the beneficiaries agree to withdraw from the program, they will receive financial support, but they will lose any legal right to claim entry into Germany later.
The Ministry of the Interior, headed by Alexander Dobrindt (CSU), states that emergency circumstances have led to this decision. Many Afghans are currently stranded in Pakistan waiting for their visas to Germany, but the Pakistani government has announced its intention to deport them soon. Although Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul (CDU) was able to negotiate a postponement of deportations until the end of the year, Pakistan has issued a final warning for their departure. A GIZ message indicated that "completing all procedures on time is unfortunately no longer guaranteed."
The financial offer varies depending on the situation. A single person will receive 1500 euros as immediate assistance in Pakistan before departure, plus 5000 euros as help for a new start, totaling 6500 euros. Families will receive larger amounts. The German government assumes that most beneficiaries will return to Afghanistan, even though the Taliban – from whom these people fled – still govern the country. In "exceptional cases only," relocation to a third country may be permitted after individual review.
In addition to financial support, the package includes in-kind assistance such as issuing departure permits, medical care, and providing housing, food, and psychological and social support for three months after returning to Afghanistan. However, human rights organizations have strongly criticized the offer. Eva Bayer, spokesperson for the "Kabul Bridge" organization, stated that the offered amount is insufficient, explaining that many Afghans sold everything they owned to leave Afghanistan for Pakistan. She added, "6500 euros is not even enough to cover their travel costs, and it will not provide them with safety or a new home."
The initial reactions from Afghans were all negative. One of them wrote expressing: "I don't want money or food, I want safety, and I can never go back." In contrast, seven Afghan families – comprising 31 people – managed to reach the city of Hanover on Tuesday evening after winning a lawsuit in the administrative court in Berlin to secure their right to enter Germany.