Broken Promise: Local Afghan Employees Left After Years of Waiting
Hundreds of Afghan local staff stranded in Pakistan received notification that they would not be allowed to enter Germany, despite previous promises of protection and resettlement.
These Afghans previously worked with German institutions, including the German Development Agency (GIZ), during Germany's international mission in Afghanistan. When the Taliban returned to power in 2021, the German government confirmed that it would evacuate them to safety. Many of them fled to Islamabad with their families, where they live in hiding waiting to move to Germany.
But a recent government message shattered their hopes, as they were informed of the need to vacate the accommodations that GIZ had provided for them by December 9 — just one day before International Human Rights Day. Their future has become uncertain, as Pakistan refuses to allow them to stay, and returning to Afghanistan is not a safe option.
Activists expressed their shock. Eva Bayer from the "Kabul Airlift" initiative said that the decision reflects "unparalleled cynicism" and indicates an increasing hardening of immigration policy under the Merz government. She criticized the ruling coalition of CDU/CSU and SPD for abandoning people Germany had pledged to protect. Activists are receiving desperate messages from those stranded, some of whom fear that the rejection is a death sentence for them.
Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt had given hope just weeks ago, indicating the possibility of granting these workers visas soon, and confirming that Germany bears a "continuing responsibility" towards them. However, no clear explanations were provided for the sudden rejection. Activists assert that the security arguments previously raised seem illogical, as these individuals underwent very thorough security checks.
The Kabul Airlift initiative is preparing to challenge the decision through legal means. Meanwhile, rare stories like that of Kimia — who finally arrived in Germany after years of waiting — provide a glimmer of hope, but it is not enough for those stuck in a state of uncertainty.