The Taliban government has announced that Afghans currently staying in Qatar can return to Afghanistan “with full confidence.” The statement was issued on Saturday through the foreign ministry spokesperson.
According to the Taliban, Afghanistan remains the shared homeland of all Afghans. The government said all citizens are welcome to return without fear.
Many Afghans in Qatar had fled the country due to fears of retaliation. Several of them previously worked with US forces before their withdrawal in 2021.
The group includes more than 1,100 Afghans staying at a former US military base in Qatar. They were undergoing processing for possible relocation to the United States.
The Taliban said returning home is safe and encouraged Afghans abroad to come back. Officials stated that the doors of Afghanistan remain open for all citizens.
Foreign ministry spokesperson Abdul Qahar Balkhi shared the message on social media platform X. He said Afghans should return with peace of mind.
Meanwhile, the United States had set a March 31 deadline to close the Qatar camp. The move is part of stricter immigration policies under the Trump administration.
Reports suggest that Afghans at the camp were given limited options. They were reportedly asked to choose between returning to Afghanistan or moving to a third country.
Aid groups have expressed concern over these developments. AfghanEvac, an organization supporting former Afghan allies, warned about risks linked to relocation decisions.
The group said many individuals, including children, should not be sent to unstable regions. It called for safer and more secure resettlement solutions.
The US State Department said relocation to a third country could provide a safer path. It also said it would help affected Afghans start new lives outside Afghanistan.
However, concerns remain over the situation inside Afghanistan. A recent UN report mentioned cases of arrests and mistreatment of former officials and security members.
Despite these reports, the Taliban government continues to deny any security threats. It maintains that the country is stable and safe for returnees.
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The Taliban has repeatedly urged Afghans living abroad to come back voluntarily. The issue remains sensitive as resettlement discussions continue internationally.
