European Union (EU) members have made drastic changes to their policies on evacuating Afghan nationals who helped their militaries in Afghanistan and on the deportation of Afghan migrants amid the deteriorating security situation in the war-torn country.
Denmark is the first EU country to offer a two-year residence permit to Afghans who worked at the Danish embassy in Kabul and who worked as interpreters with Danish authorities and troops.
On Wednesday, Denmark’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, “The security situation in Afghanistan is serious. The Taliban are gaining ground, and development is accelerating more than many had feared. We have a common responsibility to help the Afghans who are now threatened due to their connection and contribution to Denmark’s involvement in Afghanistan.”
Danish lawmakers approved the plan and noted that about 45 Afghan nationals with their spouses and children are eligible for evacuation to Denmark. However, Denmark has not yet announced its decision to suspend the deportation of migrants to Afghanistan.
Sweden and Finland are also drawing up plans to relocate their Afghan employees. Finland’s Foreign Minister, Pekka Haavisto, said, “The government was exploring ways of evacuating at least dozens of Afghans who have worked for the Nordic nation.”
Similarly, Spain’s foreign affairs, interior, and defence ministries plan to evacuate Afghans who worked with Spanish organisations and the military in the coming weeks. El País mentioned that the evacuation operation includes regularising legalisation status and air travels. Spain’s Interior Ministry is leaning towards “providing the Afghans with international protection rather than refugee status.”
Meanwhile, this week, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and Germany suspended the forced return of Afghan citizens whose asylum applications have been rejected. France also stopped the deportation of Afghans last month due to the volatile security situation in Afghanistan.
However, Belgium refused to follow suit. On Tuesday, Belgium’s Asylum and Migration Minister, Sammy Mahdi, said, “These returns must continue in areas where it is possible,” citing technicalities rather than politics as being behind the decision.
Amid spiralling violence in Afghanistan and concern for the migrant crisis, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell on Thursday said, “We encourage the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan to settle political differences, increase the representation of all stakeholders and engage with the Taliban from a united perspective.”
Borrell added that the EU’s continued support to Afghanistan depended on “peaceful and inclusive settlement and respect for the fundamental rights of all Afghans, including women, youth and minorities.” Borrell also called on the Taliban to resume talks and agree to a permanent ceasefire and warned of isolation and a lack of international support if the Taliban takes power by force and re-establishes an Islamic Emirate.
Echoing similar sentiments, Germany’s Foreign Minister, Heiko Maas, said, “We provide 430 million euros ($505 million) every year. We will not give another cent if the Taliban takes over the country and introduces Sharia law.”
EU States Make Drastic Changes to Afghanistan Policy Amid Deteriorating Security Situation
The EU members have made drastic changes to their policies on evacuating Afghan nationals who helped their militaries in Afghanistan and deportation of Afghan migrants amid the Taliban’s resurgence.
August 13, 2021
SOURCE: COUNCIL ON FOREIGN RELATIONS