BRUSSELS: A coalition of twenty European countries has formally requested the European Commission initiate the swift return of Afghan nationals residing illegally within their borders.
The joint appeal was made in a letter coordinated by Belgium, with signatories including Austria, Germany, Finland, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, and Sweden, among others.
The nations cited a significant policy impasse, stating that the absence of a formal readmission agreement with Afghanistan’s de facto Taliban authorities since 2021 has prevented the deportation of Afghan citizens, including those involved in criminal activity. They argue this situation presents a threat to domestic security and is eroding public trust in their asylum systems.
The letter proposes that the repatriation process could involve both voluntary and forced returns. It also explicitly suggests opening negotiations with the Taliban to facilitate the removals, a notable shift in diplomatic engagement.
The signatories have urged the European Commission to prioritise the matter, calling for a joint mission involving EU and member state officials to be dispatched to Afghanistan. The proposal recommends that individuals deemed to be criminals or security threats should be the first to be deported.
Also read: Balochistan holds Afghan refugees deportations, awaits federal decision
Currently, an estimated 305,000 registered Afghan refugees reside across Balochistan, including in ten officially designated refugee camps and several urban areas.
