The German government has expressed concern over Pakistan’s deportation of Afghan refugees, many of whom face lengthy waits for resettlement visas, according to a report by InfoMigrants, a media outlet and advocacy group for migrant rights.
Germany has come under criticism for the slow pace of its admissions program for Afghan refugees, with bureaucratic delays leaving vulnerable individuals at increased risk, the report said. The German government described the situation for Afghan refugees in Pakistan as deteriorating and emphasized the need to safeguard their protection.
The report noted that Germany is in close contact with Pakistani authorities to address the issue and ensure that Afghan refugees in Pakistan receive necessary support.
Pakistan has long been a major host for Afghan refugees, sheltering millions who fled decades of war and unrest in Afghanistan. According to estimates, three to four million Afghans currently live in Pakistan, but their residency status has remained unresolved by the Pakistani government.
InfoMigrants highlighted that more than 3,000 Afghans who have been approved for admission to Germany through various aid programs remain in Pakistan. These individuals, having passed a rigorous vetting process, must travel to Pakistan because Germany does not maintain an embassy in Afghanistan. Once there, they often face months of delays for security clearance and visa processing before they can resettle in Germany.
