"The German government is offering cash to Afghan refugees in Pakistan if they agree to give up their places on a programme for resettlement in Germany, activists said Tuesday. The Afghans were accepted under a refugee scheme set up by the previous German government but around 2,000 have been stuck in Pakistan since conservative Chancellor Friedrich Merz took office in May and froze 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"."
"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.""
Germany offered cash incentives to Afghan refugees in Pakistan in exchange for giving up places on a resettlement programme. Around 2,000 Afghans remained in Pakistan after Chancellor Friedrich Merz froze the prior government's scheme. Refugees received letters offering money and support to exit the programme. A single woman could receive an initial €1,500 in Pakistan and a further €5,000 if she travels to Afghanistan or a third country. An interior ministry spokeswoman described the options as part of a voluntary return or departure framework. Many refugees reacted with shock and outrage and expressed a desire to live in safety amid intensified Pakistani crackdowns.
Read at The Local Germany
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