ISLAMABAD: The Taliban have called on Afghan refugees currently stranded abroad to return home, asserting that the country is safe and that citizens face no security threat under their rule.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the foreign ministry of the interim Afghan government said it had received reports that Afghan nationals in Qatar, many of whom are awaiting US visas, are being asked to choose between returning to Afghanistan or relocating to a third country.
Among the countries reportedly under consideration is the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Describing Afghanistan as “the shared home of all Afghans,” the ministry encouraged refugees to come back, assuring them they could do so without fear. It also stated that those wishing to migrate elsewhere could pursue opportunities later through “legal and dignified” channels.
The statement emphasized the Taliban’s willingness to cooperate with other governments through consular agreements to safeguard Afghan citizens’ rights.
It further insisted that “no one currently faces security threats in Afghanistan,” dismissing concerns about instability or persecution.
Uncertain future
The appeal comes as uncertainty grows for roughly 1,100 Afghan refugees housed at As Sayliyah camp in Qatar. The group includes interpreters, former special forces personnel, and family members of individuals who worked with US forces.
According to media reports, the US administration has halted resettlement programs for Afghan refugees, leaving many unable to travel to the United States.
Officials have also indicated plans to shut down the camp, prompting discussions about relocating refugees to third countries.
A senior US official said Washington is in talks with multiple nations regarding possible resettlement options, noting that keeping refugees indefinitely in Qatar is “not a viable solution.”
However, the US has not formally confirmed any agreement to transfer refugees to the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Meanwhile, Reuters reported that some Afghan refugees in Qatar have been offered financial incentives to return to Afghanistan, raising further concerns among aid groups.
Concerns over safety persist
Despite Taliban assurances, international organizations remain deeply skeptical.
The United Nations and other human rights groups have repeatedly warned that Afghanistan remains unsafe for many returnees, particularly women, journalists, human rights defenders, and former government or military personnel.
Human rights advocates argue that the Taliban’s claims of nationwide security do not reflect the realities faced by vulnerable groups, many of whom fear persecution if forced to return.
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