Status: 10/17/2022 3:26 p.m
Since the Taliban have regained power in Afghanistan, life there has become even more dangerous for many people. The federal government wants to help persecuted Afghans to come to Germany.
Afghans who are particularly at risk should find protection in Germany in the future. About 1,000 people per month can now enter the country via a new federal admissions program, as announced by the Interior and Foreign Ministry in Berlin.
The SPD, Greens and FDP had already agreed on the project in the coalition agreement. The recording is expected to run until the next federal election in September 2025.
Local officials and human rights activists
Especially since the militant Islamic Taliban seized power in August 2021, former employees of foreign armed forces and aid organizations, so-called local staff, as well as human rights activists have had to expect persecution.
According to official information, almost 26,000 local workers and particularly vulnerable Afghans and their families have been admitted so far. According to this, about 38,100 Afghans have received acceptances so far – about two thirds of them have already entered the country.
Afghan nationals in Afghanistan who have campaigned for women’s and human rights or who are particularly at risk because of their work in the judiciary, politics, media, education, culture, sport or science should benefit. Also people who are persecuted because of their gender, sexual orientation or gender identity, their religion or because of special circumstances of the individual case.
Baerbock: “Mammoth task”
Federal Minister of the Interior Nancy Faeser (SPD) explained that, in comparison to the EU, Germany had by far the most local staff and Afghans who were particularly at risk. Regarding the size of the planned future admissions, she said: “We see the great burden on the municipalities due to the large number of refugees that we have already taken in this year. We have our eyes firmly on the ability to receive and integrate.”
Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock (Greens) stressed that the task ahead was a mammoth one. “Explaining that we are taking in people is one thing – making sure that they can then come safely from Afghanistan to Germany is another. It will be a joint effort to achieve the goals that we have set for ourselves to have.” She promised: “We will not let go.”
Examination and departure particularly difficult
The government had worked with several associations and non-governmental organizations on the admissions program. Since the German representations in Afghanistan are closed, the security screening of the people who are to benefit from the program poses a challenge. The cooperation with the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), which is common in similar cases, also poses a challenge. is not possible, said a spokesman for the Federal Foreign Office.
Therefore, among other things, civil society organizations should suggest people for admission. The decision is then made by the federal government. Another difficulty for some is leaving Afghanistan. Because only people who are currently in Afghanistan should be admitted.
Criticism comes from the Union
The deputy chairman of the Union faction, Andrea Lindholz (CSU), criticized the program. She said that Germany is fulfilling its promises to those who have put themselves in danger for the German state and who, according to a risk analysis, are in acute danger. “But this admissions program is about people who, like millions of other people around the world, are also at risk.” In the current extremely tense migration situation, this is a “fatal signal” from the traffic light government.
Her party colleague, Bavarian Interior Minister Joachim Hermann, who is currently chairman of the Interior Ministers’ Conference, said: “Under the guise of humanity, the federal government is pursuing a migration policy at the expense of the federal states, districts, cities and municipalities.”
Pro Asyl commented that it was understandable that the Foreign Minister was paying particular attention to the protection of women and girls. However, the organization pointed out: “In the event of acts of revenge by the Taliban regime, it must be taken into account that predominantly male family members are targeted.”
According to the spokesman, the first commitments should be made in the next few weeks. But even until the new program is fully operational, people should be able to continue coming to Germany.
Linke: “Bureaucratic and unambitious”
Green politician Julian Pahlke said: “Even if every single person counts, I would have liked a larger scope that is not limited to the total number.” The member of the Bundestag demanded: “The program needs to be expanded to include people at risk who have already fled to neighboring countries.”
The left-wing faction’s refugee policy spokeswoman, Clara Bünger, called the program bureaucratic and unambitious. “For many people who fear for their lives and their safety in Afghanistan, it will likely be months or even years before they can be accepted into Germany.” People would die while waiting to be evacuated.