Thu Nov 06 07:10:50 UTC 2025: ## Germany Offers Cash to Afghans, Halts Resettlement Program
Berlin, Germany – The German government is facing criticism after offering cash payments to Afghan nationals in Pakistan in exchange for abandoning their attempts to immigrate to Germany under a resettlement program. The program, designed for vulnerable Afghans including those who worked with German forces, was suspended in May amid rising concerns about migration.
Around 2,000 Afghans had already been approved for relocation but remain stranded in Pakistan, some for years. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt stated the payments were offered to provide “perspective” to those unlikely to be admitted, encouraging a “voluntary return” to Afghanistan or another third country. He did not disclose the amount of the payments, but German media reports suggest figures in the thousands of euros, paid in installments.
While those with legally binding approvals will still be allowed entry after security checks, the program’s suspension means no new applicants will be accepted. The move comes as Chancellor Friedrich Merz seeks to address public anxieties about migration, with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) gaining traction in opinion polls.
The offer has been met with disappointment and outrage by Afghans in Pakistan. One recipient described it as a “shameful and foolish deal” that jeopardizes their future. The resettlement program, initially intended for local staff, human rights advocates, journalists, and lawyers fearing Taliban persecution, has faced legal challenges. Despite the suspension, some Afghans have successfully sued the German government to enforce their right to enter the country. Just recently, a group of 31 Afghans with court orders arrived in Hanover, highlighting the complexities and legal battles surrounding the halted program.
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