The plight of Afghan refugees seeking asylum in Germany has taken a complicated turn, leaving many like 25-year-old Kimia in a state of limbo. Kimia, a visual artist and women’s rights advocate, fled Afghanistan in 2024 due to threats posed by the Taliban. Accepted into a German humanitarian admission program, she hoped for safety and a new beginning. However, the political climate in Germany shifted, putting her dreams on hold.
Suspension of German Humanitarian Admission Program
The German humanitarian admission program, launched in October 2022, aimed to resettle at-risk Afghans, including those involved in human rights, justice, and education. The initiative planned to admit up to 1,000 individuals per month. Despite these intentions, fewer than 1,600 Afghans arrived in Germany over two years. Election outcomes in February, centered around migration debates, and a subsequent change in government led to the program’s suspension. The new center-right coalition in Germany plans to close the program altogether, mirroring similar scenarios in the past, such as the suspension of U.S. refugee programs.
The Human Cost of Political Decisions
Kimia’s anticipated interview at the German embassy, which she hoped would pave her way to Germany, was abruptly canceled in April. While Germany continues to fund her stay in Islamabad, Kimia expresses the uncertainty that now overshadows her life. “All my life comes down to this interview,” she shared, emphasizing the dire need for a safe haven. Like Kimia, many others staying in guesthouses are stuck in a state of uncertainty, yearning for stability.
The German foreign ministry acknowledges that around 2,400 Afghans are awaiting travel under the suspended program. NGOs report that an additional 17,000 are in the early stages of the selection process. Despite Germany’s official stance, approval rates for Afghan asylum applicants have fallen significantly, raising concerns over the future of Afghan refugees seeking safety.
Legal and Social Backdrop
The shift in German policy has not gone unchallenged. Several Afghans have initiated legal proceedings against the government, arguing that the suspension of admissions without ensuring the individuals are no longer at risk is unjust. Matthias Lehnert, a lawyer representing some of these cases, contends that Germany cannot halt admissions without due considerations.
Thorsten Frei, chief of staff to Germany’s New Chancellor Friedrich Merz, justified the policy direction by citing societal integration capacities and ongoing challenges with irregular migration. The far-right Alternative for Germany party’s rise, fueled by anti-migrant sentiments, reflects a broader shift in public opinion since Germany’s open-door policy in 2015.
Stories of Uncertainty and Determination
The stories of those affected by these policy shifts are heart-wrenching. Mohammad Mojib Razayee, another Afghan refugee, faced rejection of his asylum application in Germany despite the risks he faced for criticizing the Taliban. His case highlights the inconsistencies and perceived arbitrariness in asylum decisions.
Kimia’s experiences shed light on the harsh realities facing Afghan women under Taliban rule. Returning to Afghanistan, where her art and advocacy could make her a target, is not an option. “If I go back, I can’t follow my dreams — I can’t work, I can’t study. It’s like you just breathe, but you don’t live,” she explained.
Others, like 35-year-old journalist Hasseina, face threats from both the Taliban and personal adversaries. For Marina, separated from her family and stuck in Pakistan, the wait has been especially difficult. Her mother, a human rights lawyer, managed to reach Germany, leaving Marina to navigate uncertainty with her baby.
Future Prospects and Advocacy
The unfolding situation underscores the complex interplay between international politics and human lives. Advocacy groups and legal professionals continue to push for more humane policies, emphasizing the need for protection and support for those fleeing persecution. As Afghan refugees await clarity and resolution, their stories serve as a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggle for safety and dignity in a world of shifting borders and policies.
