Dozens Afghan Nationals Arrive Germany After Visa Legal Battle

Despite German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's tough immigration stance and the government's decision to pause and halt visa issuance for Afghans at risk of persecution, several Afghan families have arrived in Germany after winning legal battles to obtain visas. Around 45 to 47 Afghan nationals, including former employees of German institutions and individuals at risk due to their professions, landed at Hanover Airport after traveling from Pakistan via Istanbul. The German courts ruled that the government has the legal right to stop issuing visas, but also mandated honoring some prior commitments, leading to the resettlement of families who had waited months or years under difficult circumstances. The resettlement program, which has relocated roughly 45,000 Afghans since 2022, was suspended amid concerns over security screenings and a broader crackdown on immigration by the CDU-led administration. Meanwhile, Afghan refugees in Pakistan face increased pressure as Pakistani authorities began deporting some back to Afghanistan and refusing to extend their transit visas. German authorities remain in contact with hundreds of deported individuals, while around 2,000 Afghans are still awaiting departure to Germany, many stranded due to embassy closures and visa suspensions.