Denmark stops recognizing extended Afghanistan passports

Denmark announced that, as of September 18, 2024, it no longer recognizes extended Afghanistan’s national passports, requiring Afghan nationals in the country holding these documents to obtain new passports from Taliban authorities, according to Schengen News report.

The Danish Immigration Service also outlined options available to Afghan nationals in Denmark who may need an alternative travel document, such as a convention or alien’s passport. However, not all Afghan nationals are eligible for these Danish-issued documents.

This development comes as the Taliban recently declared invalid the documents issued by Afghan consular offices in several Western countries. These offices are led by former diplomats and have not engaged with the Taliban.

Afghan nationals holding Danish residence permits on grounds other than asylum are not automatically entitled to an alien’s passport, the report said.

According to the report, in these cases, the Danish Immigration Service requires proof that they are unable to obtain an Afghan passport. Afghan nationals are generally expected to travel back to Afghanistan to secure a new passport, and citing this travel requirement alone will not suffice to qualify for an alien’s passport.

By contrast, Afghan nationals with Danish residence permits based on asylum, or those reunified with family members under asylum, are eligible for a convention or alien’s passport.

The Immigration Service notes that those who believe they cannot return to Afghanistan due to specific legal concerns may apply for asylum to avoid the requirement to obtain a new Afghan passport.