In a significant policy move, 20 European countries have jointly urged the European Commission to initiate the deportation of undocumented Afghan migrants residing illegally across the continent.
According to Belgium’s Minister for Asylum and Migration, Annelies Van den Bosch, the demand was made through a joint letter emphasizing that repatriation whether voluntary or enforced is necessary to uphold border security and maintain EU migration laws. The Observer Guardian’s European affairs desk notes that this development underscores growing frustration among EU members over migration management since the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan in 2021.
Key Details – EU Nations Call for Afghan Repatriation
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Initiative | Joint letter sent to the European Commission |
| Countries Involved | Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Slovakia, Sweden, Norway |
| Key Demand | Immediate steps for the return of undocumented Afghan nationals |
| Proposed Method | Voluntary or forced deportation, potentially involving talks with the Taliban |
| Lead Official | Annelies Van den Bosch, Belgium’s Minister for Asylum and Migration |
| Reason for Concern | Lack of official repatriation agreement since Taliban rule; potential threat to European security |
| Target Authority | European Commission, Brussels |
| Primary Concern | Illegal residency and security risks associated with unregulated migration |
EU Members Demand Action on Illegal Afghan Migrants
The joint letter, signed by 20 European nations, calls on the European Commission to “prioritize the return of Afghan nationals residing illegally in the EU”.
Officials from the signatory countries stressed that current migration policies prevent deportation of Afghan citizens due to the absence of formal repatriation arrangements with the Taliban government.
The Guardian Observer’s analysis notes that the letter reflects a coordinated stance within the EU particularly among member states that have witnessed increased arrivals of undocumented migrants in recent years.
Security and Humanitarian Balance
The letter further argues that the inability to deport criminal offenders or failed asylum seekers poses a direct threat to internal security. However, some humanitarian observers within the EU warn that any forced repatriations must comply with international human rights law.
Belgium’s Minister Van den Bosch said that negotiations with Taliban authorities could be explored to enable “safe and structured returns.” According to officials, the move is aimed at creating a “controlled and lawful migration environment” rather than promoting mass expulsions.
Important Points
- 20 European countries have urged the European Commission to act on undocumented Afghan residents.
- The countries include Austria, Belgium, Germany, Greece, Sweden, Italy, and Norway, among others.
- Annelies Van den Bosch, Belgium’s Migration Minister, confirmed the joint appeal.
- The nations proposed voluntary or forced returns, with possible coordination with Taliban authorities.
- The absence of a formal repatriation agreement since 2021 has hindered deportation efforts.
- Security concerns are central to the demand, particularly for EU states with rising illegal migration cases.
- The Observer Guardian’s migration analysis suggests this initiative could redefine EU-Afghanistan relations.
FAQs
Q: Which countries signed the joint letter to the European Commission?
A: The 20 countries include Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Slovakia, Sweden, and Norway.
Q: What are these countries demanding?
A: They are asking the European Commission to facilitate the repatriation of undocumented Afghan citizens, either voluntarily or through enforced deportation.
Q: Why are deportations currently limited?
A: Since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, there has been no formal agreement between the EU and Afghanistan for returning migrants.
Q: Could talks with the Taliban be part of the process?
A: Yes, the joint letter suggests that the EU may need to open discussions with the Taliban to ensure safe and lawful deportations.
Q: What security risks are mentioned?
A: The signatories expressed concern that some undocumented migrants involved in criminal activity cannot currently be expelled, posing a risk to public safety.
Q: What’s next for the European Commission?
A: The Commission is expected to review the proposal and possibly include Afghan repatriation on its migration policy agenda.
