Germany halts Afghan refugee admission flights pending new government decision

The Union and the SPD, which are soon to govern together, have agreed on stricter rules for migration, but they depend on neighbourhood cooperation for implementation.

Germany halts flights carrying Afghans at risk of persecution

Two flights meant to carry Afghans to Germany will not go ahead as planned this week, a government spokesman said Wednesday amid a growing row over the initiative.

The old federal government does not plan any further flights for particularly vulnerable Afghans to Germany until the change of government. Nevertheless, there are still fixed admission commitments for around 2600 people. How the new federal government will deal with this is open.

Germany halts Afghan refugee admission flights pending new government decision

By Riham Alkousaa

Thousands of Afghans are waiting for a valid admission in Pakistan – but suddenly the flights were stopped. While Germany is investing millions in accommodation and procedures, it remains unclear whether the promises will ever be fulfilled.

According to the coalition agreement of the new government, the "voluntary federal reception programmes will be terminated as far as possible" and no new programmes will be launched.