BERLIN — A group of Afghan asylum seekers in Germany is calling on the government to resume its resettlement program, saying their lives remain at risk under Taliban rule.
The group, which includes human rights defenders, journalists, prosecutors, transgender individuals, and former Afghan government employees, said they face severe threats in Afghanistan and see Germany’s resettlement program as their only hope.
“Our lives are in danger under Taliban rule,” the group said in a statement. “We fear for our safety and urge the German government to uphold its promise and restart the resettlement program for Afghanistan.”
The appeal comes amid growing uncertainty over Germany’s immigration policies. Friedrich Merz, who is expected to become Germany’s next chancellor, has indicated that the country will impose stricter limits on asylum seekers, including Afghans.
According to Deutsche Welle, Merz said on Saturday that Germany’s new government plans to curb irregular migration, turning back undocumented arrivals at the border and restricting family reunifications for refugees with temporary protection status. He also said police would be given expanded powers to detain individuals facing deportation.
With these proposed restrictions, Afghan asylum seekers fear the resettlement program could be discontinued. They are urging Germany to continue offering protection to those most at risk rather than shutting down pathways for refuge.
“The German government should not halt this program for those facing persecution,” the group said. “It should be supported, not stopped.”
Germany has previously committed to helping vulnerable Afghans, particularly those who worked with international organizations or were involved in human rights and media activities. However, the fate of its resettlement program remains unclear under the incoming government’s tougher migration stance.
