On April 16, 2025, a plane carrying 138 Afghan refugees landed at Leipzig/Halle Airport, marking another chapter in Germany's ongoing efforts to provide refuge to those fleeing Taliban rule. The flight, chartered by the acting German government, originated from Islamabad, Pakistan, and is part of a broader initiative to assist particularly vulnerable Afghans.
Among the passengers were 76 women, 62 men, and 45 children and adolescents, including six infants under two years old. This recent arrival follows three similar flights earlier in the year, which brought a total of 461 individuals from Afghanistan to Germany. The passengers included notable figures such as former government officials, lawyers, journalists, and human rights defenders, all of whom have received legally binding admission commitments from Germany.
However, the arrival was not without controversy. The Federal Police initiated several investigations into some of the new arrivals due to allegations of document offenses. According to a spokesperson from the Federal Ministry of the Interior, "We can confirm that the particularly vulnerable individuals from Afghanistan who arrived yesterday from Pakistan underwent an entry control and that investigations have been initiated." The checks at Leipzig Airport began shortly after the flight landed around 9 PM and continued until 3 AM.
Reports indicate that eight investigations are focused on individuals who presented falsified documents upon entry. Interestingly, prior to the flight, four individuals were removed from the passenger list due to uncertainties regarding passport photos, raising questions about the thoroughness of the checks conducted in Pakistan.
The political response to these flights has been mixed. CDU/CSU politicians have voiced strong opposition, calling for an immediate halt to such flights. They argue that the government should prioritize national security and express concerns about the vetting process. Martin Huber, Secretary General of the CSU, criticized the acting government, stating, "The new government will stop voluntary admission programs and initiate a migration turnaround." This reflects a broader sentiment within the opposition that the current approach is overly lenient.
In contrast, Green Party members and other proponents of the admission programs emphasize the humanitarian obligation to support those who have been threatened due to their past work with German institutions. They argue that the flights are not arbitrary but are based on established commitments made by Germany to assist those in danger.
As the situation unfolds, approximately 2,600 Afghans in Pakistan are still awaiting their admission to Germany. The German government has previously stated that these individuals have been vetted and have received formal admission commitments. Yet, the incoming coalition government, which includes CDU, CSU, and SPD, has indicated intentions to end voluntary admission programs, raising concerns about the fate of those still waiting.
In the backdrop of these developments, Pakistan has begun deporting Afghan refugees, intensifying fears for those who are still in limbo. The Pakistani government announced that deportations would include Afghans who are awaiting resettlement in Western countries, adding pressure to an already precarious situation.
The federal admission program for Afghanistan, initiated in 2021, had aimed to allow a maximum of 1,000 people to enter Germany each month. However, actual numbers have fallen short, with only about 1,400 individuals arriving since the program's inception. This has led to an increase in asylum applications from Afghans, with over 3,700 seeking refuge in Germany as of March 2025.
Looking ahead, additional flights are planned for April 23 and April 29, 2025, to continue bringing vulnerable Afghans to safety. The process involves transporting new arrivals to the transit camp in Friedland before distributing them across various federal states.
As the political landscape shifts and the new government prepares to take office, the future of these admission programs remains uncertain. While some politicians advocate for a more stringent approach to immigration, others underline the importance of fulfilling Germany's commitments to those who have risked their lives for democracy and human rights in Afghanistan.
In summary, the arrival of 138 Afghan refugees at Leipzig Airport highlights the delicate balance between humanitarian obligations and national security concerns in Germany's immigration policy. With ongoing investigations into document irregularities and political debates intensifying, the situation will continue to evolve as the new government establishes its stance on refugee admissions.
