BERLIN — Nearly 50 Afghan nationals who had been approved for relocation to Germany have died before they could leave the country, German media reported, raising renewed concerns over delays in Berlin’s evacuation efforts.
According to information shared with the Left Party in the Bundestag and cited by the Protestant news agency epd, at least 46 Afghans — many of them former local employees of German institutions or advocates for human rights — have died while waiting to be transferred. Some were killed in violent incidents, while others died of natural causes or accidents.
Klara Bünger, a Left Party lawmaker and migration spokesperson, called the delays “unacceptable” and urged German authorities to urgently fulfill their promises. “Every day of waiting is another day of risk for these people,” she said.
Germany launched a program to relocate vulnerable Afghans following the Taliban’s return to power in 2021. But rights advocates and lawmakers say the program has been slow and bureaucratic, leaving many in limbo under Taliban rule.
According to official figures, at least four former local employees have died since July 2023, including one killed in an act of violence. Five more deaths were reported by the Foreign Ministry, one from an accident and the rest due to natural causes.
Those approved for relocation say they face persecution for their past work with German and international organizations. Many remain in hiding, awaiting transfer.
