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Key Points

Germany is publicly calling on Pakistan to reverse its decision. The German Foreign Ministry insists that over 200 Afghans, who were accepted into a special resettlement program, must be allowed to return. This program was specifically created to protect Afghans who had worked alongside German institutions. The situation highlights a major breakdown in international cooperation on refugee protection.

Key Points: Germany Urges Pakistan Return Deported Afghan Refugees

  • Germany insists 211 Afghans deported by Pakistan have right to visa processing
  • Afghans were part of a 2021 program for those who aided German forces
  • Pakistan designates major cities as 'safe zones' banning undocumented migrants
  • A joint database is being created to track all foreign residents in Pakistan
3 min read

Germany urges Pakistan to allow return of deported Afghan refugees

Germany demands Pakistan allow 211 deported Afghan refugees to return to continue German visa processing, part of a program for those who worked with German forces.

"He stated that Pakistani police had detained around 450 Afghans related to Germany's relocation programme. - Khaama Press"

Kabul, Aug 19

Germany has called on Pakistan to enable the return of 211 Afghan refugees who have been deported to Taliban-ruled Afghanistan, insisting that they were part of Berlin's resettlement programme and have the right to continue visa processing and protection.

Germany's Foreign Ministry said that more than 200 Afghans, previously accepted under its refugee programme, have been sent back to Afghanistan by Pakistan, leading Afghan news agency Khaama Press reported.

On Monday, German Foreign Ministry spokesperson Joseph Hintersir called on Pakistan to allow those deported to return to Pakistan so they may continue the process of getting German visas. He stated that Pakistani police had detained around 450 Afghans related to Germany's relocation programme. Of these, 211 have already been deported to Afghanistan.

The Afghans who have been impacted were part of Germany's special initiative launched in 2021 after Taliban seized power in Afghanistan. The initiative is aimed to protect Afghans who had worked with German forces and institutions. However, Pakistan's mass deportations and Germany's stringent immigration approach has halted the programme leaving more than 2,000 applicants in limbo.

The crisis demonstrates the precarious situation of Afghan refugees living in Pakistan, who are now facing stricter border measures and dangers of deportation to Afghanistan. Observers warned that many Afghans who backed foreign organisations could be left without proper international cooperation, sparking concerns regarding reliability of future humanitarian commitments.

Meanwhile, Pakistan has designated Rawalpindi, Attock, Islamabad, Murree and Haripur as 'safe zones', prohibiting undocumented migrants, tightening visa enforcement and imposing a ban on issuance of SIM and property transactions without legal status, Khaama Press reported.

Pakistani authorities have stated that several major cities will be declared 'safe zones' where undocumented migrants will be banned from having residence or settling there. The decision was taken during a meeting at the Capital Development Authority, attended by representatives of the Interior Ministry, the National Database and Registration Authority, the Federal Investigation Agency, and counterterrorism police.

The authorities have designated Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Murree, and Haripur as protected areas and only foreigners with valid visas will be permitted to stay in these cities. Officials warned that violations of the decision would face strong security action. A joint database is being created to track foreign residents, with access given to multiple state agencies.

The Pakistani government stated that SIM cards will not be issued to people who do not have visas and real estate transactions involving undocumented migrants will be banned. In recent months, Pakistan has escalated its crackdown on migrants, especially Afghans. International organisations have voiced concerns regarding humanitarian consequences of these measures.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While I understand Pakistan's security concerns, deporting people who already have acceptance from Germany seems harsh. There should be better coordination between countries on refugee matters.
M
Michael C
Germany should have processed these applications faster instead of leaving people in limbo. Both countries share responsibility here. The bureaucratic delays put lives at risk.
S
Sneha F
Creating 'safe zones' and banning undocumented migrants makes sense for security, but there should be exceptions for genuine cases like these. Blanket policies often hurt the most vulnerable 😔
A
Aditya G
This shows why regional cooperation is needed. South Asian countries should have a coordinated approach to refugee crises instead of acting unilaterally. India could play a mediating role here.
K
Kavya N
Heartbreaking situation. These people helped foreign forces and now they're being abandoned. International community needs to step up and fulfill their commitments. No one deserves to be sent back to Taliban rule.

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