Nineteen European countries, alongside Norway, have urged the European Commission to negotiate with the Taliban to facilitate the voluntary or forced repatriation of undocumented Afghan migrants. Led by Belgium, this initiative stems from security concerns and declining trust in asylum policies.
According to Zharfa News Agency, Belgium, backed by 18 EU countries and Norway, sent a letter to Magnus Brunner, EU Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration, calling for prioritizing the repatriation of undocumented Afghan migrants. These countries emphasize negotiations with the Taliban to establish a return agreement.
Annelien Van Bossuyt, Belgium’s Migration Minister, stated that the absence of a formal repatriation agreement since the Taliban’s takeover poses a security threat to Europe. She proposed that Frontex take a larger role in organizing voluntary returns through the EU’s reintegration program.
For forced repatriation, priority is given to individuals deemed dangerous or criminal. This process will involve collaboration between the European Commission, the EU External Action Service, and interested member states.
Since Kabul’s fall in 2021, only Russia has recognized the Taliban as Afghanistan’s legitimate government. Despite UN warnings against returns to Afghanistan, Germany recently deported 81 Afghan migrants.
The United Nations has criticized Germany’s actions, highlighting ongoing human rights violations in Afghanistan. Arafat Jamal, a representative of the UN Human Rights Office, stressed the continued documentation of these violations.
