As the Taliban took control of Afghanistan, the German government launched a resettlement program for endangered Afghans. However, according to Reporters Without Borders (RSF), journalists have scarcely benefited from this program. The program itself is also under scrutiny.
RSF reports that only six Afghan journalists have been able to enter Germany through this program. This figure is noted as particularly disappointing on the third anniversary of the Taliban’s takeover of Kabul in August 2021. The organization cites a case where an Afghan journalist, who submitted her documents to German authorities, is still waiting for a response. Due to fears of reprisals, she has chosen to remain anonymous.
Calls for expedited processing
According to RSF, they have submitted cases for 62 Afghan media workers and their families under the resettlement program. To assist those still waiting, RSF urges the German government to speed up the processing of applications and increase the staff responsible for security checks in Pakistan.
The future of the resettlement program, which has so far facilitated the arrival of around 540 particularly endangered Afghans and their families to Germany, remains uncertain. While there is consensus within the German government that the approximately 3,100 people who have already received approval will be admitted, further admissions are contingent on financial considerations.
Given that Afghanistan is a major source of irregular asylum seekers, the inclination to bring additional individuals through the resettlement program has recently diminished among some members of the Ampel coalition.
