The German government is actively searching for methods to admit Iranians to Germany, despite the ongoing conflict in the region. According to a statement from the Foreign Office, relayed to “Der Spiegel” from Green faction human rights expert Boris Mijatovic, no definitive timetable can currently be provided for when the German Embassy’s visa office in Tehran will reopen its services.
Foreign State Secretary Bernhard Kotsch announced that currently submitted applications for students and working professionals are being processed by the German Embassy in Yerevan, Armenia. The government intends to expand this application processing capacity in Yerevan as much as possible, and aims to accept new applications there as well.
While Mijatovic acknowledges these efforts, he strongly criticizes the current inability to process applications efficiently. He argues that the journey to Yerevan is far and potentially dangerous, particularly for Iranians attempting to flee the regime. Therefore, he asserts it is essential that the federal government takes broader measures to ensure the safety of those affected while simultaneously guaranteeing a rapid and unbureaucratic procedure.
Mijatovic further reported to “Der Spiegel” that many people, both locally and in interactions with German institutions, feel a significant sense of neglect and German unreliability. He noted that students, scientists, and young professionals have been living in an existential, sometimes even life-threatening, situation for many months. The Green politician concluded by stating that German companies and universities are also growing desperate due to the lack of effective speed from the federal government.
