Afghan refugees land in Berlin amid political tensions
On Tuesday, a charter plane from Islamabad landed at Berlin-Brandenburg Airport (BER), carrying 155 Afghan refugees. "Bild", citing government information, reported that only five passengers were former collaborators with German institutions.
Among the passengers were 80 women and 61 minors, 42 of whom were children under 10. In addition to the former collaborators with German institutions, the flight included human rights activists, a former Afghan policewoman, a journalist, and other former state officials.
More than half of these individuals arrived in Germany as part of the Federal Intake Programme (Bundesaufnahmeprogramm), aimed at assisting particularly endangered individuals from Afghanistan. The Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) is responsible for issuing visas and organising arrivals.
According to German officials, BAMF thoroughly vetted each visa applicant. Entry permission was granted only after confirming the threat and conducting a security check.
"Bild" reported that despite these procedures, an incident occurred after landing - three passengers used passport "substitutes" not recognised in Germany, which the Taliban issued without a personal application from the applicant. The federal police have initiated criminal proceedings against them.
3000 refugees to reach Germany
As part of the intake programme, another 3000 people are expected to travel to Germany. They have already received preliminary travel approvals and are waiting for their flight.
Meanwhile, the issue of accepting refugees from Afghanistan is sparking heated political debates. The opposition CDU/CSU opposes further accepting refugees, while the ruling SPD wants to continue the programme.
Interior Minister Nancy Faeser (SPD) announced a second deportation flight for individuals deemed security threats in October 2024, but it has not yet been carried out.
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