German promises to Afghan staff face legal challenge and stalled resettlement
Germany’s decision to cancel its Afghan staff resettlement program has left hundreds stranded, prompting a constitutional court ruling that the blanket ban violates the prohibition on arbitrariness.
Following the Taliban’s takeover, Germany pledged to protect Afghan locals who supported its forces and aid work, resulting in more than 37,000 arrivals by mid-2026. A coalition government formed in May 2025 scrapped the resettlement scheme, leaving roughly 600 Afghans, such as former Bundeswehr audio engineer Ahmad Samid and former BMZ employee Javad Niazi, stuck in Peshawar without permits or safe passage. In July 2026 the Federal Constitutional Court ruled the blanket revocation unconstitutional, demanding individual assessments, though the interior ministry maintains it can still withdraw offers based on shifting political interests.
The government has offered voluntary payments up to €10,000 for those who forgo relocation, with about 300 accepting. Non-governmental group Kabul-Luftbrücke continues to provide transport, legal counsel and has facilitated the travel of over 4,000 Afghans, recently enabling more than 1,000 to obtain visas since September 2025.
Why it matters
The case highlights how policy reversals affect vulnerable allies and test Germany’s legal commitments to refugee protection.
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