BERLIN (The COW News Digital) The German government has announced the immediate termination of its Afghan refugee resettlement program, denying entry to 640 Afghan asylum seekers, officials confirmed Monday. The decision marks a significant shift in Germany’s migration policy, reflecting concerns over security, criminal activity, and the influence of Afghanistan’s Taliban-led administration.
According to reports, the Afghan resettlement program, which was designed to allow vulnerable Afghan citizens, including former local staff of the German military, journalists, and human rights workers, to relocate to Germany, will no longer operate. Authorities cited growing security risks and instances of criminal behavior among Afghan migrants as key factors behind the policy change.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that Germany would adopt a stricter approach to migration and that no new Afghan arrivals under this program would be permitted. The German Interior Ministry reinforced this stance, clarifying that pending applications for Afghan migrants have effectively been canceled, and no legal grounds for entry under residency law Article 22 remain.
The decision also reflects Germany’s broader diplomatic concerns with Afghanistan. Berlin has reportedly restricted its diplomatic engagement with the Taliban, citing allegations that the Taliban support terrorist networks. Experts warn that continued Taliban extremism and support for militancy could result in further international isolation and stringent measures against Afghanistan.
Data from German authorities indicate that 28 Afghan nationals were deported in 2024 due to involvement in criminal activities, with 81 more removed in 2025. These measures signal a broader commitment to curbing potential security risks posed by certain migrants.
The German government’s announcement has already prompted reactions from international observers. Human rights advocates warn that halting resettlement could leave vulnerable Afghan populations in perilous conditions, while security analysts argue that the policy is necessary to safeguard German citizens and maintain public safety.
In a related development, Australia has hinted at closing its Afghan embassy in Canberra, citing similar concerns regarding security and Taliban influence. Analysts note that if the Taliban’s hardline policies and support for extremist groups continue, Afghanistan could face further international isolation and more restrictive measures from countries accepting refugees.
The abrupt termination of Germany’s Afghan refugee program is expected to have wide-reaching consequences for Afghan migrants seeking safe passage, underscoring the complex balance between humanitarian obligations and national security considerations.
