A network advocating for former local staff employed by German federal agencies in Afghanistan has leveled serious accusations against the current governing coalition. The group, known as the “Patenschaftsnetzwerk Ortskräfte” (Local Forces Sponsorship Network), is demanding immediate action from Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul to halt deportations from Pakistan and ensure the safe return of previously promised Afghan personnel.
The organization claims that dozens of Afghans with existing commitments for acceptance in Germany have recently been deported to Afghanistan from Pakistan – a situation they attribute to what they describe as a deeply irresponsible policy from the federal government. They assert that the Pakistani government repeatedly warned over recent months that individuals with German acceptance commitments would be deported if they were not promptly flown to Germany.
Despite these warnings, the network contends that the German government withdrew essential personnel responsible for processing German visas from Pakistan in late May, effectively ceasing the issuance of new visas. Consequently, numerous local staff with confirmed acceptance commitments have been waiting for eight months or longer for relocation. The network claims that deportation to Afghanistan places these individuals in extreme danger, potentially resulting in fatal consequences considering the current political climate. They further allege that the government’s actions now constitute the criminal offenses of abandonment in a helpless situation and failure to provide assistance.