Secret return: Afghans end up in Hanover despite the admission program being stopped!

Secret return: Afghans end up in Hanover despite the admission program being stopped!

On October 30, 2025, a flight from Istanbul landed at Hannover-Langenhagen Airport carrying a group of Afghans. These people have admission commitments for Germany, although the federal government has stopped a corresponding admission program. The arrival took place around 5:30 p.m. The situation shows that despite the decision of the black-red federal government to end the program for endangered Afghans in May, there are still opportunities to bring these people to safety. World reports that some Afghans still received visas due to lawsuits in Germany.

These people, including former local workers, lawyers and journalists, are often exposed to acute danger from the Taliban. The Federal Ministry of the Interior emphasizes that every Afghan who has been accepted for admission must first undergo a security check. In the last few months, two additional groups from various German reception programs have already been brought to Hanover, which underlines the ongoing willingness to provide support.

The situation in Afghanistan

The situation in Afghanistan itself is worrying. Since the return of the Taliban in 2021, who regained control of the country after a lightning offensive, the humanitarian situation has worsened dramatically. Afghanistan, officially the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, is an inherently poor country with a challenging economic structure and extremely high levels of terrorism and poverty. Wikipedia describes how the country has been plagued by extensive conflict since the late 1970s.

The majority of the population lives in extreme conditions; According to data, Afghanistan ranks 182nd on the Human Development Index. Economic conditions are tense, with many people relying on agricultural work. Only around 40% of the population has access to education and a functioning health system, which continues to disadvantage women and girls in particular.

Support for those affected

The aid organization “Kabul Airlift” and other actors have made it their mission to support people who are victims of persecution. There are currently around 1,910 people in Pakistan with a confirmation or declaration of acceptance, including around 220 former local employees and 600 people who come from the bridging program. These numbers illustrate the ongoing need for help and the urgency of the situation.

But it is not just politicians who are responsible. A strong joint European commitment is needed to offer perspective to those who suffer under the Taliban construct. Whether and how this will succeed remains to be seen - but one thing is clear: the challenges are great and help is necessary on many levels.