A 14-member Afghan family has filed a lawsuit against the German government for failing to issue visas, despite having received an official promise of admission under Germany’s Federal Admission Program. The family, currently residing in Pakistan, has been waiting for over 16 months to travel to Germany, facing increasing uncertainty and the risk of deportation back to Afghanistan.
Legal Action Filed Over Visa Delays and Unkept Promises
The lawsuit, which includes an urgent application, was submitted to the Berlin Administrative Court by a female member of the family. According to Tagesschau, the woman—who requested anonymity for security reasons—is a scientist and writer who was granted admission to Germany due to her high-risk profile. Her work in Afghanistan placed her under serious threat, qualifying her for protection under the Federal Admission Program.
The program is designed for individuals who are considered “particularly exposed” or “individually at risk,” including those active in areas such as politics, media, law, or academia. In this case, the woman’s family—including spouses, children, and other vulnerable relatives—were all eligible for relocation and protection in Germany.
However, despite initial approval and a promise of admission, the German Foreign Office has yet to issue the necessary visas for the family to enter the country.
Visa Applications Filed in January 2024 with No Resolution
The program is designed for individuals who are considered “particularly exposed” or “individually at risk,” including those active in areas such as politics, media, law, or academia. In this case, the woman’s family—including spouses, children, and other vulnerable relatives—were all eligible for relocation and protection in Germany.
However, despite initial approval and a promise of admission, the German Foreign Office has yet to issue the necessary visas for the family to enter the country.
Visa Applications Filed in January 2024 with No Resolution
Due to the absence of a German diplomatic mission in Afghanistan, the family applied for visas at the German Embassy in Islamabad, Pakistan, in January 2024. After completing required security interviews in October 2024, they were informed in March 2025 that their visas were ready. However, they were not invited to collect their passports.
Instead, the family was summoned for another round of interviews, further prolonging the process and increasing the risk of legal limbo. Their Pakistani visas have since expired, and extensions have not been granted, placing the entire family at immediate risk of deportation to Afghanistan—where their lives may be endangered.
The family’s lawyer emphasized that no objections or complications had been raised by the German Foreign Office during the visa process, reinforcing the argument that the delay is unjustified and placing the family's future in jeopardy.
A Case That Could Set Precedent for Thousands
This case is not an isolated incident. Approximately 2,500 Afghan nationals in Pakistan are currently undergoing similar admission procedures as part of Germany’s Federal Admission Program. Many of them face the same delays, legal uncertainties, and threats of deportation while awaiting final decisions from German authorities.
The outcome of this legal case could set an important precedent for the broader program and influence how similar applications are handled in the future.
Concerns Over Policy Shifts Under New Government
Instead, the family was summoned for another round of interviews, further prolonging the process and increasing the risk of legal limbo. Their Pakistani visas have since expired, and extensions have not been granted, placing the entire family at immediate risk of deportation to Afghanistan—where their lives may be endangered.
The family’s lawyer emphasized that no objections or complications had been raised by the German Foreign Office during the visa process, reinforcing the argument that the delay is unjustified and placing the family's future in jeopardy.
A Case That Could Set Precedent for Thousands
This case is not an isolated incident. Approximately 2,500 Afghan nationals in Pakistan are currently undergoing similar admission procedures as part of Germany’s Federal Admission Program. Many of them face the same delays, legal uncertainties, and threats of deportation while awaiting final decisions from German authorities.
The outcome of this legal case could set an important precedent for the broader program and influence how similar applications are handled in the future.
Concerns Over Policy Shifts Under New Government
The legal proceedings come at a time of political change in Germany. Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s newly elected government has signaled its intention to phase out the Federal Admission Program. This policy shift has raised alarm among affected families and humanitarian organizations, who fear that the termination of the program could leave thousands of vulnerable Afghans without a safe pathway to resettlement.
Human rights groups have called on German authorities to uphold existing commitments and ensure timely processing for those already admitted under the program.
Conclusion: A Test of Germany’s Humanitarian Commitment
As the case moves through the Berlin Administrative Court, it will test Germany’s adherence to its own humanitarian commitments and international obligations. The Afghan family’s situation underscores the real-life consequences of bureaucratic delays and shifting political priorities. For now, they remain stranded in Pakistan—uncertain, unprotected, and hopeful that justice will prevail.
The international community will be closely watching the outcome, which could shape Germany’s role in global refugee protection for years to come.
Human rights groups have called on German authorities to uphold existing commitments and ensure timely processing for those already admitted under the program.
Conclusion: A Test of Germany’s Humanitarian Commitment
As the case moves through the Berlin Administrative Court, it will test Germany’s adherence to its own humanitarian commitments and international obligations. The Afghan family’s situation underscores the real-life consequences of bureaucratic delays and shifting political priorities. For now, they remain stranded in Pakistan—uncertain, unprotected, and hopeful that justice will prevail.
The international community will be closely watching the outcome, which could shape Germany’s role in global refugee protection for years to come.
