Germany rejects thousands of Afghan asylum claims amid rights criticism

Germany rejects thousands of Afghan asylum claims amid rights criticism
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Germany has rejected over 5,000 asylum applications from Afghan men in the first four months of 2025, according to a report by the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees. The approval rate for Afghan asylum seekers dropped to 45%, compared to 71% the previous year, reflecting a policy shift despite worsening conditions in Afghanistan under Taliban rule.

The decline has drawn sharp criticism from human rights groups and German politicians. Left Party MP Clara Bünger condemned the rejections as “arbitrary and unjustified,” stressing that Afghanistan remains extremely dangerous and cannot be deemed safe for return.

This policy change comes as Germany, the U.S., and other Western nations tighten asylum procedures, raising concerns about the fate of vulnerable groups—particularly youth, activists, and individuals targeted by the Taliban—seeking refuge from persecution and armed conflict.