A growing controversy is unfolding in Germany as reports emerge that Afghan refugees were flown into the country despite repeated warnings from federal police about fake or incomplete documentation. Meanwhile, thousands of others with verified invitations remain stranded in Pakistan.
Around 2,500 Afghans currently waiting in Islamabad have been unable to travel to Germany, while several individuals who have already arrived are now the subject of criminal investigations. According to BILD, federal police raised security concerns ahead of five charter flights in 2025, recommending that 59 individuals be barred from boarding due to “insufficient documentation or other security-related concerns.” Despite these alerts, 34 of those flagged were still allowed to fly to Germany.
Upon arrival, border authorities launched 11 criminal investigations linked to forged documents.
The process revealed a breakdown in coordination between agencies. While police in Pakistan conducted preliminary document checks and flagged suspicious cases, their warnings were frequently overridden by the Foreign Ministry. Only about half of the police recommendations were reportedly followed.
“The government openly ignored the opinion of experts, and the entire scheme has turned into a scandal that must be investigated by a parliamentary commission,” said Manuel Ostermann, deputy head of the federal police union, in a statement to BILD.
The Foreign Ministry, now under the leadership of Johann Wadephul, declined to offer detailed responses, saying only that “only individuals who have successfully completed the visa and screening process are allowed to enter the country.”
