Berlin is reportedly offering financial incentives to Afghan refugees in Pakistan in exchange for giving up their spots in a German resettlement programme, activists said on Tuesday.
The refugees were initially approved under a scheme launched by the previous German government, but roughly 2,000 have remained stranded in Pakistan since conservative Chancellor Friedrich Merz assumed office in May and suspended the initiative.
According to Airbridge Kabul, a refugee support group, the Afghans have received letters proposing monetary aid and additional assistance if they agree to withdraw from the programme.
In the case of a single woman, the payments would be an initial 1,500 euros (about $1,700) in Pakistan and a further 5,000 euro payment if she travels to Afghanistan or a third country.
A spokeswoman for the interior ministry told AFP that “there are offers within the framework of a voluntary return programme to Afghanistan or departure to another third country”.
The German scheme was aimed at Afghans who had worked with German forces in Afghanistan or who were deemed at particular risk from the Taliban, for example journalists, lawyers and human rights activists.
Eva Beyer from Airbridge Kabul said she was not aware of any refugees in the scheme who planned to accept the German government’s latest offer and that many had reacted with shock and outrage.
“I’ve been trembling all over and can’t stop crying,” read one message from a refugee which Beyer shared with AFP. “I don’t want money or bread, I just want to live in safety.”
Pakistani authorities have in recent months intensified a crackdown on Afghans living in the country without residency.
Source: Express Tribune