German authorities welcome initial Afghans from Pakistan to their territory

In a recent development, more than 85 Afghans have initiated legal action against Germany due to a freeze on a scheme that aimed to offer sanctuary to over 2,000 Afghans. This news comes as around 450 Afghans waiting to come to Germany were detained in Pakistan last month.

The ten families who have begun legal proceedings are among the 2,000 Afghans caught in limbo in Pakistan due to the conservative-led German government's decision to freeze the programme. These individuals have completed the admission procedure and undergone security screening, and some have even arrived in Germany through legal proceedings.

One of the families, a mother and her daughter, spoke to AFP about their anticipation for a new life in Germany. The daughter expressed her joy about finally reaching a good life after facing many difficulties and challenges. She also shared her intentions to achieve the goals she had for herself in her new life in Germany. The mother, too, expressed her excitement about the opportunity for her daughter to attend school and for herself to work, study, and integrate into society.

Two more individuals arrived later from Istanbul, adding to the group that has begun legal proceedings against Germany. These individuals were part of the Airbridge Kabul initiative, which helped them make their journey to Germany.

Eva Beyer, a spokeswoman for the Airbridge Kabul initiative, provided information about the ten main applicants and the ongoing legal proceedings. Courts have found that Germany is legally obliged to issue visas for some of the detained Afghans.

The freeze on the scheme was part of a wider crackdown on immigration under Chancellor Friedrich Merz. This decision has led to more than 200 of the detained Afghans being sent back to their Taliban-run homeland.

However, Germany has agreed to resume accepting some of the detained Afghans. This news brings hope to the stranded Afghans who are looking forward to beginning their new lives in Germany. More legal proceedings against Germany by stranded Afghans are happening every day, as they seek a safe haven from the ongoing conflicts in their home country.