Taliban express concern over mass deportation of Afghan migrants; urges immediate international cooperation

KABUL: Abdul Salam Hanifi, the Deputy Prime Minister for Administrative Affairs of the Taliban, expressed concerns over the widespread deportation of Afghan migrants from neighboring countries during a meeting with Filippo Grandi, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees. In the meeting, he called for urgent cooperation from international organizations to manage this crisis. According to a statement released by the Taliban on Saturday, Hanifi noted that over 3,000 migrants are entering the country daily through the Islam Qala border crossing without essential facilities. Filippo Grandi emphasized that the UNHCR will, in addition to previous assistance, work to provide more support and aid for returning migrants. He also mentioned that he would raise the issue of Afghan migrants’ status during his upcoming trips to Iran and Pakistan. Meanwhile, human rights organizations have repeatedly warned against the forced deportation of Afghan migrants, stating that the human rights and security situation in Afghanistan, especially for returnees, is not safe or conducive.