Agence France-Presse (AFP) has reported that in the coming weeks, a Taliban delegation is expected to travel to Brussels to discuss the return of Afghan migrants.
The outlet reported on Monday, April 20, citing its sources, that the visit by Taliban officials will be coordinated with the European Commission and several member states of the European Union.
According to the report, the trip follows two visits by European officials to Afghanistan for “exploratory” discussions on the issue.
The report said the Taliban delegation will be a technical team tasked with discussing the return of migrants who do not have the right to remain in the EU.
It added: “European officials are gathering information about flights, about capacity at Kabul airport, they’re speaking with the Taliban about what would happen to the people sent back.”
According to the report, the Commission has not yet sent an official invitation to the Taliban authorities.
The increase in deportations of migrants has become a common issue among EU countries, as changing public attitudes toward migration have strengthened right-wing movements in elections across the 27-member bloc.
About 20 EU countries are considering ways to deport Afghans, particularly those who have committed crimes.
Germany began the process in 2024 and has deported more than 100 Afghan migrants through charter flights facilitated by Qatar.
However, efforts to deport migrants have raised multiple concerns.
Human rights groups say Afghanistan is in the midst of a humanitarian crisis, worsened by drought and a sharp decline in foreign aid.
The European Union has not yet recognized the Taliban.
