20 European countries have urged the European Commission to take immediate steps for the return of Afghan nationals living illegally across Europe.

 

According to media reports, Belgium’s Minister for Asylum and Migration, Annelies Verlinden, said the countries made the demand in a joint letter to the European Commission, calling for swift action to repatriate Afghan migrants.

 

The letter stated that the repatriation process could be voluntary or forced and might require negotiations with the Taliban government.

 

The countries that signed the letter include Austria, Bulgaria, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Slovakia, Sweden, and Norway.

 

They noted that since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan in 2021, the absence of a formal agreement has prevented European nations from deporting Afghan nationals, even those involved in criminal activities. The countries said this situation poses a security risk and undermines public confidence in asylum policies.

 

The countries urged the European Commission to prioritize the issue of Afghan repatriation on its agenda and consider holding talks with the Taliban to facilitate the process.

 

The joint letter also proposed giving priority to the return of individuals considered criminals or security threats and suggested that the European Commission, the European External Action Service, and partner countries send a joint mission to Afghanistan to address the matter.