Brussels – In a bold move, 20 European countries have jointly urged the European Commission to take immediate action to deport Afghan nationals living illegally in the EU, whether voluntarily or by force. The appeal comes amid growing security concerns and public pressure to enforce migration laws more effectively.
Belgium’s Minister for Asylum and Migration, Anneleen Van Bossuyt, said the nations are pushing for swift deportation measures, prioritizing Afghans considered dangerous or involved in criminal activities. She emphasized that many Afghan nationals remain in EU reception centers despite having their asylum applications rejected, raising security and policy concerns.
The countries involved—Austria, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Slovakia, Sweden, and Norway—proposed negotiations with the Taliban, along with EU-supported missions and voluntary return programs to ensure safe and organized deportations.
According to recent reports, only a small fraction of Afghans with deportation orders have been sent back, highlighting the urgency of this initiative. The coordinated call reflects Europe’s growing determination to manage migration, protect citizens, and enforce asylum and security policies effectively.
