Khaama Press | November 15, 2015

Amid considerable growth in the number of people leaving the country in search of a new life in Europe, particularly in Germany, a campaign was launched on Sunday in capital Kabul in a bid to deter the flow refugees from Afghanistan.

Several posters appeared in the populated parts of the city today, delivering Germany’s message in both Dari and Pashto languages.

A Facebook page as well as a website ‘RumoursAboutGermany.info’ have also been launched to deliver the message to the people who are intending the leave the country by paying large sums to the smugglers to start the often deadly journey.

“You are leaving Afghanistan: Are you certain?” reads the message posted on one of the billboards.

In the meantime, a short statement posted on the Facebook page of the campaign, reads “Do not believe the rumours and false information deliberately spread by human traffickers about the allegedly easy trip and the easy life in Germany. Do not risk your lives by trying to flee to Europe. Human traffickers are criminals who are only interested in money. They don’t tell the truth and don’t care about human lives.”

Creating awareness regarding rumours suggesting that Germany is granting immediate citizenship and unlimited residence permits, another post stated “Germany grants immediate citizenship and unlimited residence permits? Wrong! Germany does not grant immediate citizenship or unlimited residence permits.

It also warned that “People whose asylum application has been rejected in a legally binding way have to leave Germany, and if necessary, will be deported.”

“Assertions to the contrary are rumours and misinformation deliberately spread by human traffickers. By spreading such lies, human traffickers knowingly put people’s lives in danger,” the message added.

In regards to the rumours regarding financial privileges provided to refugees in Germany, it said “Contrary to rumours and misinformation deliberately spread by human traffickers, Germany does not provide a welcome payment. By spreading such lies, human traffickers knowingly put people’s lives in danger.”