The Afghan Taliban government has expressed serious concern over reported US plans to deport more than 150 Afghan nationals to Afghanistan through Pakistan, including family members of individuals who assisted American forces before their withdrawal in 2021.
Afghan Foreign Ministry spokesman Abdul Qahar Balkhi said the government was concerned about reports that Washington intended to send Afghan refugees to Pakistan who had not yet secured legal residency documents there.
In a statement, Balkhi said the proposed deportations raised serious concerns for the affected individuals and their families.
Advocacy groups have also warned that deporting former allies of US forces and their relatives could put their lives at risk if they are returned to Afghanistan.
After regaining power in 2021, the Taliban authorities announced a general amnesty for Afghans who had worked with Western-backed forces and the former Afghan government. They have reiterated assurances this year that former opponents could return safely.
However, the United Nations has documented reports of extrajudicial killings, arbitrary detentions and other abuses in Afghanistan, raising concerns over the safety of those returning to the country.
US President Donald Trump’s administration imposed travel restrictions on several countries, including Afghanistan, last year as part of a wider immigration crackdown.
The administration has also sought to end deportation protections for Afghan nationals, including some who received special immigrant visas following the Taliban takeover in 2021.
