Mirwais Balkhi: Afghan Diaspora Has Dual Responsibilities Toward Afghanistan and Host Country

A meeting on the role and challenges of the Afghan diaspora, organized by the Mawlana House institution, was held at George Washington University in the United States.

Mirwais Balkhi, head of Mawlana House and one of the organizers, stated that the migrant community must acquire necessary capabilities in the host country to influence Afghanistan's internal discourse. He added, "As citizens of Afghanistan and as citizens of the new destination, we have a dual responsibility and must take on both responsibilities simultaneously."

Balkhi emphasized that diaspora means more than just being a migrant; it refers to someone who strives to be useful to the host country while also contributing to their homeland. He described the meeting's goal as moving "from diagnosis toward solutions," focusing not only on challenges but also on practical ways to empower the migrant community.

Participants stressed that Afghans who left after the Taliban returned to power possess significant human capital and can play roles in both societies. Omar Sharifi, a participant, said, "For many of us, leaving Afghanistan after the Taliban returned to power was an act of disobedience." He noted that many Afghans who entered the United States after 2021 were forcibly displaced rather than seeking a better life, viewing the move as a rejection of the Taliban and Talibanism.

One speaker addressed challenges faced by Afghan women integrating into the U.S. job market, including family responsibilities, childcare costs, lack of prior work experience, language barriers, and limited access to transportation.

Following the Taliban's return to power, numerous activists, academics, university professors, researchers, and experts left the country. Experts believe Afghanistan now faces a cadre vacuum, and filling it without their return will be difficult and time-consuming for future governments.