Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan Urges Stranded Citizens in Qatar to Return Home

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has called on Afghan nationals currently residing in a transit camp in Qatar to return home, asserting that the country is secure and welcoming. The statement, delivered by ministry spokesperson Abdul Qahar Balkhi, emphasized that Afghanistan remains a shared homeland for all citizens and that no security threats currently exist within its borders.

The ministry’s appeal follows reports that the Trump administration is evaluating options for approximately 1,100 Afghans who have been stranded in Qatar while awaiting United States visas. One proposed alternative involves relocating the group to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Balkhi stated that the government is prepared to facilitate legal travel and cooperate on consular matters to ensure citizens’ rights are safeguarded.

The proposed relocation to Central Africa has drawn sharp criticism from United States lawmakers and refugee advocacy organizations, who have characterized the plan as unsafe and contrary to previous commitments to Afghan allies. Meanwhile, individuals in the Qatar camp have expressed reluctance to accept either option, citing fears of potential reprisals if they return to Afghanistan and concerns over ongoing armed conflict in the Congo. While the Islamic Emirate maintains that the security situation has stabilized, United Nations assessments and independent monitoring groups continue to report that former government employees and military personnel face significant risks of detention and violence upon return.