BRUSSELS: Twenty European nations have called on the European Commission to take immediate steps for the repatriation of Afghan nationals residing illegally across Europe.
Belgium’s Minister for Asylum and Migration, Annelies Verlinden, said that the countries had submitted a joint letter to the Commission demanding action to return undocumented Afghans — either voluntarily or through forced deportations — and urged negotiations with the Taliban government if necessary.
According to reports, the signatory nations include Austria, Bulgaria, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Slovakia, Sweden, and Norway.
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The letter emphasized that since the Taliban takeover in 2021, the lack of a formal repatriation mechanism has prevented deportations, even for Afghans involved in criminal activities, raising security concerns for several European states.
The countries urged the European Commission to make Afghan repatriations a policy priority, proposing a joint EU mission to Afghanistan with representatives from the Commission, the EU External Action Service, and participating member states.
They also recommended giving priority to deportations of individuals classified as dangerous or criminal, arguing that restoring a structured return process is vital for public safety and migration management in Europe.