UAE Begins Deporting Afghan Refugees Back to Taliban-Controlled Afghanistan

UAE Begins Deporting Afghan Refugees Back to Taliban-Controlled Afghanistan
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The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has commenced deporting Afghan refugees to Taliban-controlled Afghanistan, Reuters reported. This action follows despite former U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent commitment to assist Afghan asylum seekers stranded in the UAE.

According to Reuters, the UAE, in coordination with the U.S. State Department, has returned several refugees, with at least 20 more reportedly facing imminent deportation, based on a leaked U.S. document. The news outlet “Just the News” also reported that UAE officials are preparing to hand over refugees to the Taliban. Trump responded by stating he was actively working to rescue those affected.

Saeed Al-Zaabi, Special Adviser to the UAE Foreign Minister, confirmed that two Afghan families were “successfully and safely” repatriated in early July. However, Reuters noted that the Taliban’s embassy in the UAE pressured these families to sign “voluntary” return agreements under threat of detention.

Approximately 17,000 Afghan refugees were transferred to the UAE, with over 30 asylum seekers currently detained in Abu Dhabi. Meanwhile, under the Biden administration, about 200,000 Afghan refugees were resettled in the U.S., though the process reportedly slowed after Trump’s return to office. This development has sparked concerns from humanitarian organizations over the safety and rights of Afghan refugees facing forced returns.