Germany’s government is moving forward with plans to bring in more Afghan migrants, despite the incoming CDU/CSU-SPD coalition’s promise to shut down these resettlement programs. A flight carrying over 150 Afghans is set to arrive in Leipzig soon, according to Bild, even though most passengers have no prior connection to Germany’s operations in Afghanistan. This has stirred fresh controversy over why the program is continuing and what it means for the country.
Only a small number of those on board—fewer than ten—are former local staff who worked with German institutions, people considered at risk under Taliban rule. The rest, making up the vast majority, have no clear ties to Germany, leaving many to question how they were chosen. The coalition agreement was clear: federal programs like this one for Afghanistan were supposed to end. Yet, in the dying days of the outgoing government, the arrivals keep coming. This is despite the left-wing SPD being part of both the new and old governments.
Controversy has persisted since incoming chancellor Frederic Merz contradicted himself less than 24 hours after finishing first in February’s German elections. This could create conditions for potential early elections in 2027, several sources told europeanconservative.com in Berlin during election coverage.
Critics, including CSU’s Martin Huber, have slammed the outgoing leadership, particularly Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, for clinging to this initiative until the very end. The Foreign Office claims it is legally bound to process thousands still waiting in Pakistan, where Germany runs a hub for these migrants. The cost of security checks and logistics has already exceeded €4 million, adding to public frustration.
The program’s security flaws are hard to ignore. The German Police Union has raised urgent concerns about weak vetting, pointing to fake documents such as Taliban-issued passports and forged birth records. Even worse, some applicants with suspicious paperwork are approved after so-called ‘credibility reviews,’ a practice that has drawn sharp criticism. Union leaders warn this could let dangerous individuals slip into the country.
Recent crimes tied to Afghan migrants have only deepened public unease. From a toddler’s stabbing in Aschaffenburg to a vehicle attack injuring dozens at a Munich union event, and a police officer’s killing in Mannheim, these incidents involve Afghans—some of whom had rejected asylum claims or criminal records. Each case chips away at public confidence in the system.
The origins of this program date back to the chaotic 2021 Kabul evacuation, when early screenings failed to detect serious red flags, including evacuees listed on terror watchlists. Alternative for Germany’s Alice Weidel has called the latest flight a betrayal of public trust, accusing the government of ignoring voters’ concerns.
As Germany grapples with security and identity, the decision to keep flying in Afghan migrants—many with unverified backgrounds—raises tough questions about priorities, despite promises to change course.
