Germany to take 217 more Afghans from Pakistan

Another 217 Afghans are to be brought to Germany from Pakistan on a charter flight, according to the German Federal Foreign Office, reported dpa.

Of these, 20 people are to travel on to other EU states. The flight is to take place on Thursday, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said.

Since the end of the military evacuation mission at the end of August, almost 900 people have been able to leave Afghanistan with German help.

With the help of the emirate of Qatar, it was also possible to fly out German citizens in particular, and "further options" were being prepared, Maas explained.

Those who reach Afghanistan's neighbouring states by land with a promise of admission from the German government will receive a visa at the German embassies "without delay" and support for their onward journey to Germany, Maas promised.

"This has already been achieved for more than 760 people," Maas said.

Leaving the country remains arduous and dangerous, Maas explained. "Many options depend on the consent of both the Taliban and neighbouring states."

In the coming weeks, however, further exit options should be created.

"We'll stay on it, and we'll stay on it until all those for whom we bear special responsibility in Afghanistan - Germans, local forces and others to whom we have promised admission - are safe."