The processing of visa applications for approximately 2,400 Afghan refugees currently stranded in Pakistan is facing continued delays, despite a recent expedited ruling from the Berlin Administrative Court. According to a written response from Interior State Secretary Daniela Ludwig (CSU) addressing a query from Green Party parliamentarian Schahina Gambir, the Federal Interior Ministry remains “in continued examination” regarding the procedures for accepting applications from Afghanistan.
This situation stems from a commitment outlined in the governing coalition agreement between the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and the Social Democratic Party (SPD) which proposed phasing out voluntary intake programs like the one established for Afghanistan. The coalition agreement further states that it is being assessed how to implement this cessation of programs specifically concerning admissions from Afghanistan.
The Berlin Administrative Court’s Tuesday ruling mandated the German government to grant visas to one Afghan family, reinforcing the validity of previous commitments. However, the future processing of applications for the remaining individuals remains uncertain.
Furthermore, the resumption of security checks necessary for the refugees’ onward travel is also pending. A response from Interior State Secretary Christoph de Vries (CDU) earlier in July indicated that “all entries from Afghanistan via Pakistan” are currently “suspended”. Whether security personnel will be re-deployed to conduct the interviews required for visa applications is contingent upon the ongoing evaluation of the programs’ future trajectory.
Green Party politician Gambir has sharply criticized the protracted waiting period for those affected, describing each day of uncertainty as a “testament to shortcomings” on the part of the German government.