- October 3, 2025
- 7:24 pm
- World News
In July 2025, Germany stopped issuing humanitarian visas following statements from the new ruling coalition about reducing foreigner admission programs. By the end of August, the German Foreign Ministry promised to resume issuing visas for those at risk due to their activities in defense of freedom of speech and human rights. However, human rights activists report that the program is effectively closed.
History of the Humanitarian Visa Program
The accelerated humanitarian visa program was launched in May 2022 in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the persecution of the opposition in Belarus. The German Foreign Ministry noted that such visas could be obtained by citizens at particular risk due to their anti-war and human rights activities. Nevertheless, the requirements for applicants remained quite strict. Over nearly three years, about two and a half thousand Russian citizens received visas through the program.
Uncertainty of the Process
After the parliamentary elections in February 2025, the new coalition of conservatives and social democrats announced plans to reduce foreigner admission programs. As a result, the issuance of humanitarian visas was completely halted, including already approved applications.
In August, the German Foreign Ministry returned to the promise of resuming visa issuance for those at risk. However, details about the timing and requirements were not specified. By early October, it became clear that the program, as it previously existed, was effectively closed. Human rights activists emphasize that opportunities for applicants have significantly decreased.
Current Visa Acquisition Problems
Human rights activists note that under the new conditions, Russians facing persecution have encountered additional difficulties. After the program’s halt, many applicants are dissatisfied that they cannot obtain a visa, even though their cases were already approved. It is estimated that multiple difficulties arise due to document requirements.
Difficulties at All Levels
The program must be coordinated across several ministries. Obstacles most often arise from the Ministry of the Interior. Human rights activists add that it has become more challenging to motivate new government officials to engage in visa matters, creating a sense of disinterest.
Lawyers understand that obtaining a humanitarian visa is now possible only in rare cases. This is the result of personal contacts with officials, highlighting the high degree of bureaucracy and instability in the process. Residents of Russia who received approval but did not manage to obtain documents before the program’s suspension are also left without humanitarian visas.
Challenges for Russian Refugees
The conditions for obtaining a visa are exacerbated by the complex situation in Russia, where many people cannot issue new passports due to criminal cases. The German Ministry of the Interior acknowledges that the situation remains difficult and risky for opposition figures, despite a significant migration flow.
Disproportionate Severity of Penalties
Special conditions for successful visa acquisition apply only to a limited number of citizens. Human rights activists report dozens of unexpected rejections amid a worsening international political climate.
Prospects for Change
If the German authorities resume issuing humanitarian visas, human rights organization allies predict that the scale of the new project will not reach previous levels. The opinion of interviewed lawyers and human rights activists indicates a lack of resources for real assistance to all those in need.
The problems faced by Russians due to visa rejections show that the work of human rights organizations is very necessary and important in modern conditions. Everyone who wants to move to Europe faces bureaucratic barriers that often seem insurmountable.
