Germany Receives Second Charter Flight of Afghan Refugees Amid Policy Debates
A charter flight carrying 132 Afghan evacuees landed in Berlin as Germany continues its relocation efforts following the Taliban's resurgence.
On March 5, 2025, a charter flight carrying 132 Afghan refugees arrived in Berlin, representing Germany's ongoing initiatives to relocate individuals at risk after the Taliban regained power in Afghanistan.
This flight follows a similar operation on February 25, which transported 155 Afghan evacuees from Pakistan.
Among those aboard the latest flight were 57 minors.
The Federal Ministry of the Interior confirmed that 25 individuals scheduled for this flight were denied permission to travel due to potential discrepancies in their documentation, as flagged by the Federal Police.
These cases are currently under further review by the relevant authorities.
The ministry reiterated that the entry requirements into Germany include stringent verification of identity and thorough security checks.
Included in this recent group of arrivals was a former local staff member accompanied by five family members.
The previous flight on February 25 also included five former local staff members from German organizations, along with other individuals who had been promised resettlement through a human rights list or bridging program.
The German government has stated that it is not issuing any new promises of resettlement amid the ongoing discourse about the nation's refugee policies.
In light of these developments, some politicians from the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and the Christian Social Union (CSU) have expressed criticism toward the federal government's commitment to relocation programs.
They advocate for increased measures aimed at facilitating deportations back to Afghanistan following the Taliban's control since August 2021.
The Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has also opposed the continuation of these operations, with its parliamentary spokesperson, Gottfried Curio, demanding a complete halt to such flights.
A representative from the Federal Foreign Office noted that the current intake focuses on individuals who are facing persecution from the Taliban, including former local staff, human rights activists, and journalists.
This emphasis highlights Germany's approach in addressing the humanitarian needs of those at risk in Afghanistan.
This flight follows a similar operation on February 25, which transported 155 Afghan evacuees from Pakistan.
Among those aboard the latest flight were 57 minors.
The Federal Ministry of the Interior confirmed that 25 individuals scheduled for this flight were denied permission to travel due to potential discrepancies in their documentation, as flagged by the Federal Police.
These cases are currently under further review by the relevant authorities.
The ministry reiterated that the entry requirements into Germany include stringent verification of identity and thorough security checks.
Included in this recent group of arrivals was a former local staff member accompanied by five family members.
The previous flight on February 25 also included five former local staff members from German organizations, along with other individuals who had been promised resettlement through a human rights list or bridging program.
The German government has stated that it is not issuing any new promises of resettlement amid the ongoing discourse about the nation's refugee policies.
In light of these developments, some politicians from the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and the Christian Social Union (CSU) have expressed criticism toward the federal government's commitment to relocation programs.
They advocate for increased measures aimed at facilitating deportations back to Afghanistan following the Taliban's control since August 2021.
The Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has also opposed the continuation of these operations, with its parliamentary spokesperson, Gottfried Curio, demanding a complete halt to such flights.
A representative from the Federal Foreign Office noted that the current intake focuses on individuals who are facing persecution from the Taliban, including former local staff, human rights activists, and journalists.
This emphasis highlights Germany's approach in addressing the humanitarian needs of those at risk in Afghanistan.
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