High unemployment rates in Afghanistan; People demand job opportunities

KABUL: According to the World Bank, Afghanistan ranks 21st among countries with high unemployment rates in 2024. Citizens are calling for job opportunities, while experts state that fundamental measures are necessary to address the unemployment crisis. The Taliban’s Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs has reported on its efforts in this regard. Experts cite prolonged conflict and a weakened economy as the main factors contributing to unemployment. The Taliban’s Ministry has identified the freezing of national assets and the large return of refugees as significant causes of unemployment, stating that many workers have been engaged through the implementation of projects, with ongoing efforts to create job opportunities both domestically and abroad. The World Bank reports that in 2021, the unemployment rate in Afghanistan was 11.99%. This rate increased to 14.1% in 2022, slightly decreased to 13.99% in 2023, and is projected to be 13.295% by the end of 2024. These figures indicate a decrease of nearly 6% from the high of nearly 18% in 2022; however, the unemployment rate remains higher compared to 2021. Additionally, the unemployment rates in 20 other countries around the world are higher than in Afghanistan.