German Constitutional Court blocks mass revocation of Afghan resettlement visas
Germany’s Federal Constitutional Court ruled on 22 July 2026 that the interior ministry cannot cancel the resettlement promises made to Afghan refugees as a whole. The court found the blanket withdrawal of about 640 visas – granted under the 2021 “human‑rights list” for Afghans at risk from the Taliban – to violate the constitutional ban on arbitrary state action. The decision backs an Afghan mother and her two minor sons, who are currently in Pakistan, and sends the case back to the Higher Administrative Court in Berlin‑Brandenburg for an individual review.
The court ordered that Germany must continue supporting the family in Pakistan until a visa is issued or a constitutionally compliant withdrawal is made. Government spokespeople said the ruling largely confirms the ministry’s stance but requires case‑by‑case consideration. Human‑rights groups and NGOs such as Kabul Air Bridge welcomed the judgment, urging the government to honour its protection commitments.
The Afghan plaintiff said, “Today I am really happy – I can hardly describe how relieved I am.” The ruling is expected to affect hundreds of Afghans awaiting entry and to shape future German migration policy.