KABUL: The European Union is checking programs to repatriate Afghans who have been unable to secure residency rights in member states, an action that comes with human rights concerns and practical challenges. According to reports from Agence France-Presse and the Daily Mail, Brussels, under pressure from certain member countries to curb irregular migration, has initiated contact with the Taliban in Kabul to explore the feasibility of these repatriations. Markus Lamert, spokesperson for the European Commission, stated that EU officials have conducted two “technical missions” in Afghanistan to assess potential return arrangements. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees has expressed concerns about this process, with Jamal, the agency’s representative in Afghanistan, noting that this policy is “more reactive and emotional than strategic” and could have serious humanitarian consequences. Human Rights Watch has also warned that the Taliban have increased restrictions on freedoms, particularly regarding women’s rights and the media. According to EU statistics, from 2013 to 2024, nearly one million asylum applications have been filed by Afghans, with only half of them accepted. In 2025, Afghans were noted to be the largest group of asylum seekers in Europe. The developments come as Afghanistan faces a humanitarian crisis, drought, and a sharp decline in foreign aid, with millions of returnees living in difficult economic conditions.
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