Germany Revokes Afghan Asylum Pledges Under Chancellor Merz, Affecting Hundreds

German Government Ends Afghan Resettlement Program

The German government, led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, has announced the immediate termination of its Afghan refugee resettlement program, effectively revoking earlier pledges made to hundreds of Afghans. This decision, which came into effect in December 2025, marks a significant shift in Germany's migration policy.

Approximately 640 Afghans who were awaiting resettlement from Pakistan will no longer be granted entry into Germany. These individuals include vulnerable groups such as women's rights activists, journalists, judges, and former local staff who had worked for German ministries.

Policy Reversal and Stated Reasons

The reversal of these commitments follows an agreement by Germany's ruling coalition, comprising the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), Christian Social Union (CSU), and the Social Democratic Party (SPD), to discontinue Afghan resettlement programs 'as far as possible'. Chancellor Merz, who assumed office on May 6, 2025, has advocated for stricter migration controls, citing security concerns and a broader political reorientation away from previous migration policies.

Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt has characterized the previous pledges as 'legacy issues' inherited from the preceding administration. Sonja Kock, a spokesperson for the German Interior Ministry, confirmed that Afghans who had been promised relocation would be informed 'that there is no longer any political interest in their admission.'

Impact on Local Staff and Criticism from Rights Groups

For the first time, the program specifically designed for Afghan local staff who had supported German ministries has also been affected. Around 130 former local staff and their families received email notifications stating they would no longer be admitted. Out of 220 remaining local staff, only 90 are now considered eligible for admission.

The decision has drawn strong condemnation from human rights organizations. Groups such as Pro Asyl and Kabul-Luftbrücke have labeled the government's move as a 'betrayal' and 'ice cold'. They warn that the affected Afghans face severe risks, including 'persecution, abuse and death,' should they be forced to return to Afghanistan under the Taliban regime.