Over 500 Afghan refugees with approved asylum are set to be transferred from Pakistan to Germany by the end of December, 2025.

Germany plans to transfer 535 Afghan refugees with confirmed asylum approvals from Pakistan by the end of December, Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt announced on Thursday. The decision comes amid growing concerns over the risk of deportations from Pakistan.

Dobrindt told German media that many Afghan refugees are in limbo, and the government is working to complete all transfers as much as possible by the end of the month. He added that a few cases may continue to be processed in the new year.

Many of the refugees were former collaborators with German authorities or organizations in Afghanistan, while others include at-risk groups such as journalists and human rights activists. Their safety and future remain pressing concerns.

Pakistan, which expelled millions of Afghan refugees over the past year, has pressured Western countries, including Germany, to accept those with approved asylum. Dobrindt said Berlin is engaged in discussions with Pakistani officials regarding the deportation deadline and ongoing negotiations to manage the transfers.

The new German government has not accepted all Afghan refugees in Pakistan. Last week, German media reported that Chancellor Merz’s conservative administration denied asylum to 650 Afghans who had previously received approval.

Earlier, the Merz government attempted to discourage dozens of Afghan refugees from traveling to Germany by offering financial incentives, but only around 60 accepted the offer. This underscores the uncertainty and desperation among Afghan refugees waiting in Pakistan.

Afghan refugees in Pakistan remain in a precarious situation, caught between an uncertain future in Western countries and the looming threat of deportation, unable to safely return home.

Germany’s accelerated transfer plan highlights the urgency of the refugee crisis and underscores the need for coordinated international action to protect at-risk Afghans with limited options and uncertain futures.