Twenty European countries have jointly urged the European Commission to take strong action regarding Afghan migrants in Europe. The letter calls for urgent measures to address challenges posed by their presence, particularly those residing illegally.
The countries signing the letter include Austria, Bulgaria, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Slovakia, Sweden, and Norway.
Belgium’s Minister for Asylum and Migration, Annelies Van den Bosch, said the return of Afghan migrants could be voluntary or forced. She added that repatriation may require negotiations with the Taliban, as no formal agreement exists since their takeover in August 2021.
The letter highlighted that Afghan nationals involved in serious crimes cannot currently be deported due to the lack of a repatriation framework. European countries view this as a potential security risk and have stressed the need for an immediate solution.
The joint statement urged the European Commission to prioritize the repatriation of Afghan migrants, even if direct discussions with the Taliban are necessary. Officials emphasized that coordinated efforts are needed to manage migration and ensure public safety.
Since the Taliban regained power in 2021, efforts to establish a formal repatriation agreement have stalled. European nations are concerned about the growing number of Afghans living illegally, as well as the legal and logistical obstacles preventing their return.
The call for action underscores a broader concern over migration management in Europe. Authorities are seeking both diplomatic engagement and practical measures to ensure safe and orderly repatriation of Afghan migrants.
In other news read more about Afghan Suicide Bomber Arrested in South Waziristan
This development marks a significant step in European migration policy, highlighting the challenges of coordinating international responses and ensuring compliance with security and humanitarian standards.
