Approximately 2,000 Afghans have been approved to move to Germany under a resettlement scheme for people who previously served with German forces in Afghanistan.
Published November 6, 2025
The German government has offered cash grants to Afghans stranded in Pakistan if they decide not to move to Germany under a resettlement program established for vulnerable people, including those who previously worked with German forces in Afghanistan.
About 2,000 Afghans have been approved to move to Germany under a program for people at risk under Taliban rule, but have been stuck in Pakistan for months or even years, awaiting resettlement.
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Germany’s conservative Chancellor Friedrich Merz suspended the program in May to demonstrate his government’s commitment to immigration, a major concern for German voters, even as the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party topped several opinion polls.
“Assuming there is no possibility for people to enter Germany, it is logical that we offer them some prospects, which will lead to financial offers for their voluntary return to Afghanistan or other third countries,” German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrind said on Wednesday.
“These offers have been made to these people in the last few days,” Dobrindt said, without disclosing the amount involved or the number of people excluded from entry.
Afghan nationals who already hold binding authorization to enter Germany under the suspended program will continue to be allowed to enter the country, subject to security checks, but others will not, the minister added.
According to German media, the payments amount to several thousand euros (dollars) and those who agree to accept the Pakistani products will be able to pay in the first installment, with further payments made upon arrival in Afghanistan or a third country.
Germany’s DPA news agency said the wage offer had been heavily criticized by Afghans living in Pakistan who had hoped to move to Germany, while others expressed shock and disappointment.
“We have spent two years in Pakistan and now we are being offered a shameful and stupid deal that puts our future and our children’s future at risk,” Afghans who received the government’s offer in a letter told the news agency.
DPA said the program was designed to relocate local staff and their families who previously worked for German agencies in Afghanistan, as well as “Afghans who fear persecution by the Taliban” because of their experience working on lawyers, journalists or human rights issues.
The news agency also reported that a group of 31 Afghans approved for resettlement under the plan arrived in the northern German city of Hannover from Pakistan on Tuesday night.
Officials said the group consisted of “only persons who are required to enter the Federal Republic of Germany by a legally binding court order.”
Although relocation plans are currently suspended, DPA reports that some Afghans have successfully sued the German government in court to “enforce their right” to enter Germany.
The German government has sent letters to Afghans offering financial support if they abandon plans to migrate to Germany, but the move has been heavily criticized by recipients https://t.co/pINTbRaE6S
— dpa News Agency (@dpa_intl) November 4, 2025
