EU Plans Brussels Talks With Taliban On Deportation Of Afghan Migrants

EU Plans Brussels Talks With Taliban On Deportation Of Afghan Migrants

Diplomatic sources say the EU plans to invite a Taliban delegation to Brussels to discuss the return of Afghan migrants, though no formal invitation has yet been issued.

The visit had initially been planned for late March but has now been postponed to the coming weeks.

A diplomatic source told AFP: “The idea is to invite them before summer” adding that the Taliban delegation would be a “technical” team.

Another source said European officials are assessing information on flights and Kabul airport capacity, while also discussing with the Taliban the fate of returnees.

The visit, coordinated by the European Commission and several member states, follows two earlier trips by European officials to Afghanistan for preliminary talks on the issue.

The EU’s migration commissioner had previously confirmed that the bloc has held discussions with the Taliban on returning Afghan asylum seekers.

The EU aims to return individuals whose asylum claims have been rejected, a move that has raised concerns among human rights groups and international organisations.

Around 20 EU countries are exploring ways to deport Afghan migrants, particularly those convicted of crimes.

Germany began this process months ago and has deported more than 100 Afghans since 2024 via charter flights operated with Qatar’s assistance. Austria has pursued a similar approach.

Although the EU has not formally recognised the Taliban administration, it has maintained a diplomatic presence in Afghanistan.

EU countries received around one million asylum applications from Afghans between 2013 and 2024, with Afghans forming the largest group of applicants last year.