Following a period of restricted entry, the German government appears to be lifting its months-long blockade on accepting Afghan nationals who have previously been granted admission. Sources within the government indicate that Afghan families are expected to begin traveling to Germany in the coming days. Those affected have reportedly been informed that a bureaucratic process, lasting nearly two years in some instances, is nearing resolution.
According to reports, these individuals will enter Germany via regular commercial flights, with connections through hubs like Dubai or Istanbul – a method consistent with dozens of similar cases since the Taliban took power in the summer of 2021. The total number of people immediately preparing to depart for Germany remains unclear.
The Foreign Office confirmed to inquiries that “various review processes” are now “resuming”. Personnel from relevant authorities are currently stationed in Pakistan to continue processing admission procedures.
The shift in policy follows recent court rulings. As reported last week, the Foreign Office faces potential fines for failing to issue visas to Afghan nationals with existing commitments for admission to Germany. Courts have issued approximately two dozen similar preliminary rulings in recent weeks, emphasizing that Germany is “legally bound by binding, non-revocable commitments to accept these individuals”.
One plaintiff in these court cases was a law lecturer with thirteen family members awaiting visas in Pakistan. It is currently unknown whether they are among those now cleared for travel. The Foreign Office initially filed appeals with the Berlin-Brandenburg Higher Administrative Court in some cases, but subsequently withdrew them in part.