Afghan Refugees in Qatar's Al Seeliya Camp Concerned Over US Closure Plans

Afghan refugees relocated to Qatar's Al Seeliya camp after the fall of Kabul in 2021 fear the consequences of the facility's planned closure by the United States.

U.S. Representative Gregory Meeks announced the decision to close the camp in late January 2025. Senator Jeanne Shaheen warned that the closure would leave refugees vulnerable to dangers including pursuit, imprisonment and death.

The U.S. State Department has offered cash payments of $1,000 to $4,500 per person to some Al Seeliya residents to encourage voluntary returns to Afghanistan, according to NBC News and refugee Mohammad. A State Department spokesperson stated that indefinite stays in the camp are not appropriate and described third-country transfers as a positive option. No forced returns are planned.

Refugees worry about reprisals from the Taliban, especially those perceived as collaborators. The United Nations has documented cases of the Taliban abusing or killing former Afghan security forces members, though the Taliban rejects accusations of personal revenge.

The camp has faced external threats, with Iranian missiles striking nearby twice in the past year and damaging a roof, according to Afghan Evac.

The Biden administration had promised resettlement in the United States, but the Trump administration has not followed through on those commitments.