Germany is set to receive the fifth flight carrying Afghans since the current coalition government took office. Several flights have landed in Hannover in recent weeks, despite the official suspension of the resettlement program.
The resettlement initiative was originally launched by the previous leftist government which promised shelter to those awaiting relocation in Pakistan. The Merz administration had sought to halt the program, citing security concerns and the potential for misuse. However, legal challenges in Germany, supported by organizations such as the NGO Kabul Airlift, have allowed arrivals to continue.
Eleven Afghans are scheduled to arrive from Pakistan on Tuesday, November 11th, with a stopover in Istanbul.
Since September, a total of 1,900 Afghans have received offers of resettlement under various government programs. These individuals are currently undergoing vetting by German authorities. Previous flights included 31 arrivals on November 5th, 14 on October 30th, and 28 on September 24th, indicating an increase in frequency.
The Interior Ministry informed affected individuals that they could receive up to €10,000 if they chose to return to Afghanistan rather than participate in the resettlement program. Those contacted had until November 17th to decide whether to remain in Pakistan or return home.
All arrivals since November 5th were individuals whose entry was enforced by legally binding court orders. Germany is therefore obligated to issue visas and facilitate their entry, despite the program’s suspension.
