BRUSSELS: Twenty European countries have called on the European Commission to take immediate steps to repatriate Afghan nationals residing illegally across Europe.
The countries stated that returns could be voluntary or forced and may involve negotiations with the Taliban.
Belgium’s Minister for Asylum and Migration, Annelien Van Bossuyt, said the joint letter highlights security concerns stemming from the lack of formal agreements to facilitate Afghan returns since the Taliban regained power in 2021.
The letter warns that the inability to deport Afghan nationals, even those involved in crimes, poses a risk to European security and undermines public confidence in asylum policies.
The signatory countries include Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Slovakia, Sweden, and Norway.
The letter proposes prioritizing the repatriation of individuals deemed criminal or dangerous and suggests the European Commission, the European External Action Service, and member states coordinate a joint mission to Afghanistan to facilitate the process.
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