Taliban Law on Absent Persons’ Property Sparks Concerns Over Afghan Citizens’ Assets

Taliban Law on Absent Persons’ Property Sparks Concerns Over Afghan Citizens’ Assets
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The Taliban’s newly issued law concerning the assets of absent and missing individuals has granted the group broad authority over the property of Afghan citizens, particularly affecting migrants and those perceived as opponents of the current regime.

Critics warn that ambiguous provisions in the law could allow wide-ranging and potentially contentious interpretations. According to the new legislation, property belonging to absent or missing persons, as well as individuals deemed by the Taliban as opposing the government, will be managed by a body called the “Directorate for the Review of Absent Persons’ Property”, operating under the Taliban Supreme Court’s military deputy.

The law, which comprises 31 articles, outlines procedures for safeguarding, leasing, selling, and transferring assets of absent individuals—defined as those who or whose legal representatives cannot access their property, and missing persons—whose whereabouts or status are unknown. Property may be returned to owners or heirs via court order; if no legal heirs exist, assets revert to the state treasury.

A controversial aspect concerns individuals labeled “corruption agents” by the Taliban, whose property can only be restored by the order of the Taliban leader. The law coincides with reports of land and property seizures involving former government officials and Afghan migrants.

While the Taliban assert the law aims to prevent expropriation and protect absent persons’ assets, observers have expressed concerns over judicial transparency and potential impacts on citizens’ property rights.